Established
2020
Franchise Units
00
Minimum Investment
$313,000
Franchise Fee
$35,000
Total Investment Range
$884,000
Home Based
No
Description
In a world of rubbery, mass-produced bread, PopUp Bagels has emerged as a cultural phenomenon that refuses to follow the rules. What started as a backyard pickup window in Connecticut has exploded into the most talked-about name in the breakfast space. We aren’t just selling bagels; we are selling an experience.
Our concept is deceptively simple: "Not Just For Sandwiches." We focus on the "rip and dip" culture—serving piping hot, small-batch bagels paired with inventive, artisan schmears that change weekly. This approach has earned us a cult following, celebrity investors, and "Best Bagel" titles across prestigious food festivals.
Positioned at the intersection of high-end culinary craft and high-speed convenience, PopUp Bagels dominates the fast-casual premium segment. By eliminating the complexities of traditional deli menus (no slicers, no complicated egg stations), we’ve streamlined the operational model to maximize quality and throughput. For an investor, this means joining a brand with massive social media gravity, a loyal "drop" culture following, and a product that literally sells out in minutes.
Why Invest in PopUp Bagels?
Investing in PopUp Bagels isn't just about entering the bakery market; it’s about owning a piece of a brand that has mastered scarcity and demand.
Operational Simplicity: Our menu is focused. No massive kitchens or 50-item menus. This reduces waste, lowers labor costs, and ensures every product is perfect.
Viral Brand Identity: With a massive digital presence and a reputation for "drops" that sell out online before the doors even open, your marketing is built-in.
High Inventory Turnover: Our product is meant to be eaten fresh. The "rip and dip" model encourages high-volume sales of both bagels and premium add-ons.
Prime Market Positioning: We sit in the "affordable luxury" category, which has proven to be recession-resilient. People may skip a steak dinner, but they will always treat themselves to the world's best bagel.
Background
- Established Year: 2020
- Franchise since: 2024
- Founders: Adam Goldberg
- Industry Category: Fast-Casual / Bakery & Café
- Brand Journey: Born during the pandemic as a home-based experiment, Adam Goldberg’s "secret" bagel recipe quickly went viral. After winning the "Best Bagel" award at Brooklyn’s BagelFest two years in a row, the brand secured significant backing from high-profile investors (including names like J.J. Watt and Michael Phelps).
- Market Presence: While rooted in the Northeast (Connecticut and New York City), PopUp Bagels is aggressively expanding across the USA, targeting high-foot-traffic urban and suburban hubs.
- Active Units: N/A
Support Training
We don’t just give you a recipe; we give you the entire PopUp "playbook."
Pre-Launch Support: Expert guidance on site selection, lease negotiations, and kitchen design to ensure your footprint is optimized for high-volume output.
Operational Training: Comprehensive hands-on training for owners and managers at our flagship locations, covering our proprietary dough-handling, baking techniques, and schmear preparation.
Marketing & Tech: Access to our centralized online ordering system (the engine of our "drop" model), social media toolkits, and national PR support.
Academic Training: Ongoing education on food safety, staff management, and financial optimization through our digital learning portal.
Ongoing Support: Regular field visits from our operations team to help you maintain the "Gold Standard" of the PopUp brand.
Ideal Candidate
We are looking for partners who understand that PopUp Bagels is a lifestyle brand as much as a food business.
The Operator: You have a background in hospitality or multi-unit retail. You understand that "simple" doesn't mean "easy"—it requires discipline and attention to detail.
The Visionary: You have the capital to scale. We prefer partners interested in multi-unit development agreements to capture entire territories.
Community Minded: You are well-connected in your local market and understand how to build hype within a neighborhood.
Financial Capability: Candidates should have a strong net worth and liquid assets to support the build-out and initial scaling phase.
Location Preference: Prime visibility in high-density areas, lifestyle centers, or high-street retail with easy access for quick pickups.
Financial Detail
| Category | Estimated Value |
| Total Investment Required | $313,000 - $884,000 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital | $200,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $35,000 |
| Royalty Fees | 6% of Gross Sales |
| Marketing Fund Fee | 2% of Gross Sales |
| Infrastructure Cost | Includes specialized ovens, refrigeration, and "Goldberg-standard" interior design. |
| Working Capital | Recommended $50,000 – $100,000 for the first 6 months. |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Walk-in sales, Online Subscription/Drops, Catering, and Branded Merchandise. |
| Expected ROI & Break-even | Varies by market; however, the low-overhead model is designed for a competitive 2–3 year path to break-even under optimal management. |