Last updated on April 6, 2025
From Street Markets to Philly Fame: The Story Behind Charisse McGill French Toast Bites
I still remember the first time I tried Charisse McGill’s French Toast Bites, the cinnamon sugar hit my nose before I even took a bite. It was one of those chilly afternoons at a Philly market, and the scent wrapped around me like a warm hug. One bite in, and I thought, Who made this magic?
Turns out, the answer is a powerhouse woman who turned a breakfast classic into a snackable legend: Charisse McGill. And trust me, if you haven’t heard of her yet, you’re about to fall in love with her story, and her bites.
Whether you’re a busy mom juggling carpools and chaos, or just someone who believes dessert should be its own food group (hi, same), these French Toast Bites are more than a snack, they’re a slice of Philly soul.
Why You’ll Love Charisse McGill French Toast Bites
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✨ Portable, poppable, and downright addictive
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💛 Created by a woman who turned grit into greatness
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📍 Found at iconic Philly spots like Spruce Street Harbor Park
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📸 Instagram-worthy AND crowd-approved
But the real magic? They were made with heart, and they still carry that heart in every cinnamon-coated bite.
Meet Charisse McGill: Philly’s French Toast Trailblazer
Charisse wasn’t just a chef, she was a force. A Philly girl through and through, she had a passion for community, business, and turning delicious dreams into reality.
She studied Sports & Recreation at Temple and went on to hone her food marketing chops at Saint Joseph’s. But her real education came from managing farmers’ markets, where she saw firsthand what people craved: flavor, fun, and food you could eat with one hand while holding a kid or a phone in the other.
In 2018, she took the leap, left her full-time job, and launched Lokal Artisan Foods. With a fryer, a dream, and a whole lot of cinnamon sugar, French Toast Bites were born.
The French Toast Bites Phenomenon
Let’s break down why these little cubes of happiness went viral before “going viral” was even a thing.
💡 The Idea
Charisse took the comfort of classic French toast and gave it a modern twist, bite-sized, street-friendly, and loaded with nostalgia.
🔥 The Launch
She debuted the bites at the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market in 2018. And let’s just say, those chilly lines weren’t because people were cold. They were waiting for their warm paper trays of crispy, fluffy French Toast Bites.
🎉 The Explosion
From there? Boom. Spruce Street Harbor Park. Cherry Street Pier. The Flower Show. Halloween Nights. If there was a party in Philly, you could bet the Bites were there.
People didn’t just eat them, they Instagrammed them. Word spread fast, and soon friends were dragging friends to try them. And once you had a bite, chances were good you’d be back for more.
Lokal Artisan Foods: The Heart Behind the Bites
Charisse’s brand wasn’t just about food, it was about community. Lokal Artisan Foods stood for local sourcing, sustainability, and lifting up other small businesses.
She wasn’t just selling snacks, she was creating a movement.
From mentoring fellow entrepreneurs to launching creative new products, she kept the vibe strong, sweet, and unapologetically Philly.
Beyond the Bites: Coffee, Ale, and Gelato (Oh My!)
Charisse knew how to turn a great idea into a whole delicious world:
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French Toast Bites Ale (Yes, beer! With notes of cinnamon and maple. Cheers to that!)
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French Toast Bites Coffee (A cozy, aromatic blend with cinnamon warmth.)
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French Toast Bites Gelato (The frozen dessert you didn’t know you needed.)
If you’re a fan of all things French toast, don’t stop at bites. You have to try this Sourdough French Toast , a tangy, slightly chewy take on the classic dish that’s equally satisfying and perfect for weekend brunches.
All of these products capture the same magic as the bites, and show how limitless Charisse’s creativity was.
Where to Find French Toast Bites in Philly
If you’re ready to taste the magic for yourself, here’s where to go:
🌊 Spruce Street Harbor Park
Grab a tray of Bites and lounge by the river. Hammocks, fairy lights, and cinnamon sugar? Yes please.
🎨 Cherry Street Pier
Art, culture, and French Toast Bites. The perfect trio.
🎄 Christmas Village & More
From Halloween Nights at Eastern State to Made in America, if it’s happening in Philly, the Bites are likely there too.
Make French Toast Bites at Home (You Know You Want To)
You can’t always be in Philly, but you can bring the flavor home. Here’s a super simple version of the magic:
Before you dive into the bite-sized version, you might want to check out a more traditional take. This Ultimate McCormick French Toast Recipe is easy, delicious, and a great way to get comfy with the basics of French toast before cutting it into cubes.
📝 Ingredients:
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Brioche or challah bread (cubed)
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2 eggs
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1 cup milk
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1 tsp vanilla
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1 tsp cinnamon
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2 tbsp sugar
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Butter (for frying)
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Powdered sugar (for dusting)
👩🍳 Quick Steps:
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Whisk eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar.
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Dip bread cubes in the mix.
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Fry in butter until golden on all sides.
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Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with syrup, whipped cream, or fruit!
Want a twist? Try it with Hawaiian rolls for extra sweetness. Or dunk them in French Toast Bites Coffee for the full experience.
FAQs: Because We Know You’re Wondering
Can I order French Toast Bites online?
Yes! Check out Lokal Artisan Foods’ site for seasoning, coffee, and more.
Where can I get them in Philly?
Look for them at Spruce Street Harbor Park, Cherry Street Pier, and major local festivals.
Are they vegan or gluten-free?
Currently, no, but Lokal is always evolving, so keep an eye out!
Can I make them ahead of time?
Totally. Just fry, cool, and reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer to crisp them back up.
Print
French Toast Bites (Inspired by Charisse McGill)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 6–8 bites per person) 1x
Description
A warm, cinnamon-sugar treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Ingredients
For the French Toast Bites:
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6 slices brioche or challah bread (thick-cut, day-old preferred), cut into 1-inch cubes
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2 large eggs
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1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
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1 tsp pure vanilla extract
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1 tsp ground cinnamon
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2 tbsp granulated sugar
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1 pinch salt
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2 tbsp unsalted butter (for frying)
For Topping & Serving:
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Powdered sugar (for dusting)
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Maple syrup (optional)
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Whipped cream (optional)
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Fresh fruit (optional, like strawberries or blueberries)
Instructions
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Prep the Bread:
Cut brioche or challah into 1-inch cubes. Set aside to let them dry out slightly, which helps them soak up the batter without falling apart. -
Make the Batter:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, sugar, and a pinch of salt until fully combined. -
Dip the Bread:
Working in batches, gently toss the bread cubes in the batter to coat. Let excess drip off—don’t soak them too long. -
Heat and Fry:
Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp of butter and swirl to coat. Add a batch of coated bread cubes in a single layer. Cook 2–3 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden and crispy. -
Repeat:
Remove finished bites and place on a paper towel–lined plate or a baking sheet kept warm in a 200°F oven. Repeat the frying process with the remaining bread, adding more butter as needed. -
Serve:
Pile the warm bites on a platter, dust with powdered sugar, and serve with maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh fruit on the side.
Notes
Inspired by Lokal Artisan Foods’ iconic Philly treat
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Pan-fried
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 265 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 98mg
A Bite-Sized Legacy That’ll Never Be Forgotten
Charisse McGill’s French Toast Bites are more than a food trend. They’re a symbol of creativity, hustle, and heart. Her story reminds us that with enough grit (and a little sugar), anything is possible.
Her legacy lives on in every warm, cinnamon-sweet bite. So whether you’re grabbing a tray at a Philly market or frying up your own at home, know that you’re not just eating breakfast. You’re tasting a piece of history.