Baker Receives a Rush Order for a Dozen Bagels. She’s Shocked at Who Shows for Pickup (Exclusive)

A 12-Year-Old Boy’s Heartwarming Bagel Purchase

Chloe De Jager, a resident of Glen Ellyn, IL, found solace in baking sourdough bread after struggling with postpartum issues following the birth of her son. The act of baking not only helped her reconnect with herself but also with her community. On March 31, she took a bold step and launched her microbakery, Bubbas’ Sourdough Co., alongside her full-time job as a veterinarian recruiter.

Apart from sourdough loaves, Chloe planned to bake a variety of goodies, including her popular bagels. Her passion for baking shone through as she delved into experimenting with different sourdough recipes and perfecting the art of creating delightful inclusions for her products.

To promote her microbakery, Chloe turned to Facebook Marketplace, where her delectable treats quickly garnered attention. One particular order stood out when a user with a distinguished name expressed a keen interest in her bagels. Despite typically receiving advance notice for pickups, this customer requested an urgent order, creating a sense of excitement for Chloe.

The order was for a dozen of Chloe’s famous jalapeño and cheddar “POW POW” bagels, known for their spicy kick and named after a phrase her son loves to exclaim. When the customer mentioned that he could only make a cash payment, Chloe, usually cautious with new customers, trusted her instincts and agreed to the arrangement, showcasing her belief in fostering trust in her community.

The following morning, the customer, who had overslept, apologised for the delay and sought to pick up the order an hour later. To her surprise, when Chloe went to meet the customer, she encountered a 12-year-old boy on a BMX bike, ready to collect his bagels. The boy’s infectious enthusiasm and respectful demeanour left Chloe amazed, highlighting the unexpected joy that their interaction brought to her day.

Moved by the heartwarming encounter, Chloe shared the story on TikTok, where it quickly gained traction, resonating with thousands of viewers. The overwhelming response reinforced the belief in the power of positive connections and uplifting moments in a world often overshadowed by negativity.

Following the viral success of her post, Chloe reached out to the boy’s mother, who expressed gratitude for the gesture and shared how her son had surprised the family with fresh bagels that morning. In a heartening turn of events, Chloe offered to cater a bagel bar for the boy’s football team, extending her kindness and appreciation for the boy’s exemplary conduct.

Looking ahead, Chloe aspires to expand her microbakery, hoping to share her passion for baking with a broader audience. What began as a personal journey to rediscover herself and engage in a beloved hobby has evolved into a source of joy and connection with her community. Through her story, Chloe aims to spread positivity and remind others of the beauty present in unexpected encounters and small acts of kindness.