PopUp Bagels is continuing its Jacksonville expansion with plans to open a second location at Pearl Square, Gateway Jax’s mixed-use development in Downtown Jacksonville.
The 1,443-square-foot shop will be part of Vandeveer, the first residential building within the $1 billion Pearl Square project.
Founded in Westport, Connecticut, in 2020, PopUp Bagels has earned a following for doing things a little differently. Instead of serving sliced and toasted bagels, the concept offers bagels fresh from the oven, encouraging guests to tear them apart and pair them with a variety of schmears for a more communal experience.
The new downtown shop will be operated by Built Different Brands, led by Florida partner Kal Gullapali, and follows the brand’s Jacksonville debut at St. Johns Town Center in late 2025.
Pearl Square is being developed by Gateway Jax and designed by Morris Adjmi, SK+I, Elkus Manfredi and Cecconi Simone. Once complete, the development will include more than 1,250 residential units, 100,000 square feet of Class A office space, Hotel Merrydelle, and more than 200,000 square feet of retail and dining spread across more than 20 shops and 15 restaurants.
Vandeveer is expected to welcome residents in late summer 2026, with retailers opening onto a network of walkable streets and public green spaces surrounding the historic Thomas V. Porter Mansion.
