PopUp Bagels is a fast-growing bagel franchise known for its fresh, artisan bagels and modern brand identity. The company was founded in 2020 in Westport, Connecticut, originally launching as a small backyard pop-up concept.

What began as a passion project quickly gained traction and evolved into a popular retail bagel brand. The concept focuses on simplicity, quality ingredients, and freshly baked bagels served hot.

PopUp Bagels is headquartered in New York City, where the brand has built a strong following and expanded into multiple high-profile locations. The menu is intentionally limited and centers on whole, unsliced bagels paired with signature cream cheese spreads.

Customers are encouraged to tear and dip rather than slice, creating a distinct and memorable eating experience. This minimalist approach allows the brand to emphasize consistency and product quality.

The PopUp Bagels franchise program officially launched in 2023 as part of an aggressive national expansion strategy.

Training

PopUp Bagels provides a multi-layered training program to equip franchisees with the knowledge and skills to operate in compliance with its Brand Standards. Here is a breakdown of the training programs:

1. Initial Training Program
   PopUp Bagels conducts a required Initial Training program before the shop opens, provided either virtually, at their headquarters, or on-site. It covers brand philosophy, product knowledge, and shop operations. Up to four people, including the Operating Principal, General Manager, and two assistant managers, can attend at no charge.
2. Opening Team Support
   During the shop’s opening, PopUp Bagels sends an “opening team” to assist in training supervisory staff and ensuring brand compliance. This support focuses on practical shop setup and operations, excluding labor and employment matters.
3. Retraining
   If the Operating Principal or General Manager fails the Initial Training or if operations fall below standards, retraining is required. The franchisor may charge a training fee, and the franchisee bears all employee compensation and travel costs.
4. Supplemental and Ongoing Training
   Franchise leadership may be required to attend up to five days of additional training annually. Fees can reach up to $2,000 per person at franchisor locations, or $500 per trainer per day if held locally. These sessions cover updates to standards and operations.
5. Replacement Manager Training
   Replacement General Managers must complete the Initial Training at the franchisee’s expense. The franchise cannot operate without at least one trained General Manager and Assistant Manager on staff.

Territory Protection

PopUp Bagels grants franchisees an Area of Protection, which generally restricts the franchisor and other franchisees from opening another PopUp Bagels Shop within that defined area.

The Area of Protection is based on factors like population (typically at least 15,000), geographic boundaries, and the shop’s specific location. However, in dense urban areas like Manhattan or Chicago, the Area of Protection may be as small as a single city block, and it can be modified only if the shop relocates.

Despite this, the Area of Protection explicitly excludes Non-Traditional Venues such as airports, hospitals, universities, sports arenas, and corporate campuses. The franchisor and its affiliates retain unrestricted rights to open or license PopUp Bagels operations in these venues even if they fall within the Area of Protection.