PopUp Bagels plans 35 SoCal stores
A fast-growing East Coast bagel chain is gearing up to expand into Southern California.
Westport, Conn.-based PopUp Bagels has signed agreements with James Marzouk of Sweetzer Capital to open 25 locations in Los Angeles and Orange County, and with Paul Goodman and Griffin Thall (known as The Bagel Boyz), to open 10 locations in San Diego County over the next several years. PopUp Bagels currently operates 12 locations across Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York, with plans to reach 25 stores open by the end of the year.
"California has always been a key market in our growth strategy, and we’re excited to partner with Sweetzer Capital and The Bagel Boyz, who are deeply ingrained in their local communities,” said Tory Bartlett, CEO of PopUp Bagels. “These partnerships are an important step as we expand our footprint, and we look forward to working with landlords who share our vision to bring fresh, hot, whole bagels to new fans across the state."
PopUp Bagels says it strategically selects locations in high-traffic, energetic urban and suburban communities, with retail spaces that typically span 1,100 sq. ft. The brand offers “Grip, Rip and Dip” bagels, along with unique weekly schmear offerings that aim to generate excitement and loyalty among guests.
[READ MORE: H&H Bagels expanding with 70 locations in pipeline]
“PopUp Bagels represents the kind of brand you bet big on - authentic, enticing, and culturally magnetic,” said James Marzouk, co-founder and principal of Sweetzer Capital. “As an L.A. native, there’s something deeply meaningful about introducing a concept that has redefined the New York bagel scene to a market as vibrant and refined as ours. We’re hyper-focused on targeting locations that enhance the brand’s momentum and deliver the volume and vibe that have defined its presence in New York. We’re looking to plant roots in communities that want to be a part of the story - this is just the start.”
