News Summary
PopUp Bagels, the popular East Coast bagel chain, is launching its first San Diego location in La Jolla, aiming to expand with ten locations over five years. Known for their uniquely crafted bagels, the brand is generating excitement within the local food scene following a successful activation at Hotel del Coronado. Their commitment to quality is reflected in their handmade offerings, and they plan to refresh their menu regularly, making them a thrilling addition to San Diego’s culinary landscape.
San Diego
PopUp Bagels, a well-known East Coast bagel chain, is set to launch its first location in San Diego later this year. The new spot will occupy the former Breakfast Republic site at 637 Pearl St, La Jolla, CA. The announcement was made via the company’s Instagram page, generating excitement among local bagel enthusiasts.
The chain, which operates several successful locations in New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, has garnered a reputation for its freshly baked bagels and vibrant social media presence. It aims to establish a strong footprint in the San Diego area and plans to open a total of ten locations across the county over the next five years. Founders Griffin Thall and Paul Goodman have strategic plans for the expansion, focusing on spreading the locations across various neighborhoods to minimize competition among their own shops.
PopUp Bagels prides itself on the unique quality of its offerings. The bagels are known for their warm texture, which remains crisp on the outside while being airy on the inside. Unlike many others, these bagels are not cut in half, retaining their appealing consistency. Customers can purchase the bagels in packs of three, six, or a dozen and choose one or two schmears—a spread that complements the bagels. The menu of bagel schmears is refreshed weekly on Wednesdays, providing customers with new flavors to enjoy.
During a recent pop-up activation at Hotel del Coronado, the popularity of PopUp Bagels was evident. Customers reportedly lined up for hours, some waiting as long as two hours to sample the bagels. The pre-orders for this activation sold out in just two minutes, highlighting the demand for the brand’s products. Each bagel pack typically costs between $13 and $15, depending on the selected schmears.
PopUp Bagels began in 2021, starting as a backyard pickup window for friends. The company has since evolved quickly, with the founders aiming to replicate their success in San Diego. Their first permanent store outside of the East Coast opened last year, followed by three additional locations in the subsequent years. Their expansion strategy is complemented by a mobile bagel van that gained significant traction during its time at Hotel Del Coronado, adding to the brand’s visibility and demand.
The bagel scene in San Diego is gaining momentum, with more New York-style bagel shops emerging in the area. In fact, San Diego Magazine has introduced a new category for the best bagels in their annual restaurant awards. Experts are suggesting that the city may be entering a “golden age of bagels,” as new pop-up shops continue to spring up weekly.
In addition to PopUp Bagels, a franchise group has announced plans to open 25 more locations in Los Angeles and Orange counties. Another New York City bagel giant, H&H Bagels, has intentions to establish ten new locations in San Diego and Orange counties. This indicates a growing trend and rising interest in bagels across the region.
The upcoming opening in La Jolla marks an exciting chapter for both the local dining scene and for PopUp Bagels as they continue to expand their brand and reach. With the increasing popularity of bagels and the demand for quality bagel shops, San Diego residents can look forward to a fulfilling culinary experience when the new location opens its doors.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 5 San Diego
- Wikipedia: Bagel
- San Diego Union Tribune
- Google Search: New York style bagels
- Axios
- Google Scholar: bagel trends in San Diego
- LA Eater
- Encyclopedia Britannica: bagel
- Fox 5 San Diego
- Google News: bagel shops San Diego
