Award winning PopUp Bagels plans for nationwide growth

PopUp Bagels has taken off the oven mitts while launching a new franchising effort aimed at national expansion.

And the plan is being launched under expanded leadership.

The Westport, Connecticut based company appointed Tory Bartlett as its new CEO less than two months ago. According to PopUp Bagels, Bartlett’s experience and expertise will help the bagel maker push its concept nationwide.

Prior to joining PopUp Bagels, Bartlett served as chief brand officer at Moe’s Southwest Grill and held leadership roles at Schlotzsky’s and Southern Proper Hospitality.

“PopUp Bagels has something truly special, and I’m excited to lead the brand through this next phase of national expansion,” Bartlett said. “With a strong foundation already in place, my focus is on scaling thoughtfully while preserving the high quality and uniqueness that set PopUp Bagels apart.”

The latest series of moves, including elevating its franchising efforts, arrives after the closing of a Series B funding. PopUp Bagels has also gained the attention of Hollywood, celebrities, and food investors, including Paul Rudd and Olympics legend Michael Phelps who are among those backing the company.

A little more than a year ago PopUp Bagels pulled in $8 million in Series A funding, which was led by the New York-based equity firm, Stripes.

PopUp Bagels was founded during the pandemic in Adam Goldberg’s kitchen. Since, the bagel eatery has gone on to gain acclaim while winning Brooklyn’s BagelFest Best Bagel award two years in a row and being named as the number one Bagel in New York City by multiple publications.

Expanding out of a home kitchen, PopUp bagel now operates three locations in Manhattan neighborhoods: Greenwich Village, the Upper West Side, and the Upper East Side in addition to Roslyn, N.Y. PopUp bagels also operates seasonal locations in East Hampton and Palm Beach, along with five locations in Connecticut’s Gold Coast region.

Regarding the recent executive appointment, Goldberg said, “Tory’s experience in driving growth through franchising makes him the ideal leader for PopUp Bagels as we expand.”

“His strategic vision aligns perfectly with our plans to scale while maintaining the quality and culture that set us apart.”