News Summary
PopUp Bagels, a growing bagel franchise known for its unique approach to bagels, plans to open 10 new locations in San Diego County by 2025, starting in La Jolla. Founders Griffin Thall and Paul Goodman, inspired after a visit to New York, are working to select locations that complement each other while avoiding competition. The franchise offers warm, uncut bagels in packs, creating a distinct customer experience. The expansion highlights the rising demand for quality bagels in California amidst increasing competition in the market.
San Diego, CA – PopUp Bagels, a rapidly growing bagel franchise known for its fresh, baked-to-order bagels, has announced plans for a significant expansion into San Diego County with the establishment of 10 new locations by the end of 2025. The first of these new locations is set to open in the La Jolla neighborhood, with additional establishments gradually rolled out over the next five years.
The franchise has been secured by Griffin Thall and Paul Goodman, both graduates of San Diego State University. The pair discovered PopUp Bagels during a visit to New York in 2024, excitedly participating in a taste-testing experience that highlighted the brand’s unique offerings. Following their meeting with PopUp’s corporate team, they successfully negotiated a franchise deal to bring the bagel concept to California.
Thall and Goodman are currently in discussions with various real estate agents and brokers to identify suitable locations for their new bagel shops. Their goal is to choose neighborhoods that complement each other without competing for the same customer base to prevent sales cannibalization among their multiple locations.
PopUp Bagels has gained popularity for its distinctive approach to bagels. Unlike traditional New York-style versions, which are typically sliced and sold, PopUp’s bagels are served warm from the oven and remain uncut. The texture of these bagels is celebrated for being crisp on the outside yet airy on the inside, offering a fresh experience for customers. They are sold in packs of three, six, or twelve, with prices ranging from $13 to $15 for a pack of three that includes a spread.
In addition to their innovative bagel offerings, PopUp Bagels is recognized for its engaging retail atmosphere and commitment to community involvement. The brand currently operates locations in New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, as well as seasonal vendors in the Hamptons and Palm Beach, Florida. Since opening its first permanent location in 2021, PopUp has been growing steadily with plans for three more locations on the horizon.
The franchise’s appeal has led to a burgeoning East Coast bagel culture in California, as competition increases with other brands also looking to enter the market. Another franchise group has announced its intention to open 25 PopUp Bagels locations in nearby Los Angeles and Orange counties. Additionally, H&H Bagels, a well-established bagel brand from New York City, has revealed plans for 10 locations in both San Diego and Orange counties, illustrating heightened competition in the California bagel landscape.
Earlier this year, a mobile PopUp bagel van generated excitement and long lines at the Hotel Del Coronado, with customers eagerly placing pre-orders that quickly sold out. This temporary venue provided a taste of what locals can expect from the upcoming permanent locations, showcasing PopUp’s commitment to quality and innovative flavors.
The expansion of PopUp Bagels into San Diego County signifies not just a growth for the brand, but also an increasing demand for high-quality, unique bagel offerings in California. With plans underway for both permanent and mobile locations, the opportunity for a vibrant bagel culture is on the rise in the region, bolstered by Thall and Goodman’s entrepreneurial spirit and culinary vision.
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Additional Resources
- San Diego Union-Tribune: East Coast Hot From The Oven Bagel Brand Headed To San Diego
- Wikipedia: Bagel
- Fox 5 San Diego: Pop-Up Bagel Business Opening Brick-and-Mortar Shop in Encinitas
- Google Search: PopUp Bagels
- GlobeNewswire: PopUp Bagels Expands into California
- Google Scholar: PopUp Bagels
- Daily News: New York’s Popup Bagels Set to Make Its Southland Debut
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bagel
- Eater LA: Pop-Up Bagels Expansion
