PopUp Bagels, the bagel brand redefining the bagel experience, is expanding into California at 637 Pearl Street, La Jolla, CA 92037. La Jolla is the first franchise location in the state, with an additional 35 locations across Southern California to open in the next several years.
Since the brand’s debut in Connecticut in 2021, PopUp Bagels has morphed from humble beginnings to a company known for its unique business model, featuring hot and whole bagels, weekly schmear flavors and brand collaborations. What started out of founder Adam Goldberg’s backyard window is now a defining icon of New York’s bagel culture with multiple pop-ups and permanent locations. PopUp Bagels’ first opening in California with new franchise partners Paul Goodman and Griffin Thall, known as The Bagel Boyz, further strengthens their position in the bagel industry, bringing the infamous Grip, Rip and Dip bagels to the West Coast.
“La Jolla marks our first PopUp Bagels in California and the start of our growth out West,” said PopUp Bagels CEO Tory Bartlett in a statement. “San Diego has an incredible food scene and sense of community, and starting this journey here with partners like Paul and Griffin is the perfect way to begin.”
Expanding to California marks a major milestone for PopUp Bagels, bringing its bagels to the West Coast for the very first time, a state that has long craved high-quality bagels. The new location will deliver the same freshly baked, hot-out-of-the-oven bagels that have redefined the bagel experience in NYC, Connecticut, Florida, and beyond. The shops will serve bagels for walk-ins, advance orders, and catering. San Diego partners Paul Goodman and Griffin Thall plan to open 10 locations in San Diego County over the next several years.
“When we experienced PopUp Bagels in New York, we were instantly hooked by the energy,” said Paul Goodman & Griffin Thall, Co-Founders of The Bagel Boyz in San Diego. “The lines out the door, the creative schmears, and the sense of community built around something as simple as a bagel – it all felt electric. We knew right then it was something special. Bringing PopUp Bagels to our hometown of San Diego isn’t just about great food; it’s about recreating that same excitement, connection, and neighborhood spirit for a whole new community.”
What sets PopUp Bagels apart is the experience. Every bagel is baked fresh and served hot, whole, and straight from the oven—no slicing, no sandwiches. Whether you prefer to grip, rip, and dip right on the street or bring them home to enjoy in countless ways, PopUp Bagels celebrates simplicity, flavor, and the pure joy of a freshly baked bagel. With its commitment to quality and its ever-changing lineup of weekly schmear offerings, the brand continues to inspire excitement and loyalty among bagel enthusiasts everywhere.
To kick off this exciting launch, PopUp Bagels will also have a Limited Edition Schmear for La Jolla: Truff Cream Cheese in partnership with premium truffle-infused condiments brand TRUFF. Launching on opening day & available until sold out, this specialty schmear will only be available at the La Jolla location as a unique offering for the community. There will also be more surprises and giveaways in the lineup for opening day.
PopUp Bagels is located at 637 Pearl St, La Jolla, CA 92037 and is opening on November 21st.
