News Summary
PopUp Bagels, the renowned East Coast bagel chain, is set to debut its first San Diego location later this year, taking over the former Breakfast Republic site in La Jolla. Known for its freshly baked bagels and a unique pre-order system to combat long wait times, the brand aims to establish up to ten locations across San Diego County within five years. With its grassroots origins and social media popularity, local enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the introduction of new flavors and quality in the San Diego bagel market.
San Diego is set to welcome PopUp Bagels, a beloved East Coast bagel chain, as it opens its first location in the city later this year. This new eatery will take over the former Breakfast Republic site at 637 Pearl St. in La Jolla.
The announcement of the expansion was made on the company’s Instagram page, where they shared their motto, “Not famous but known.” This phrase resonates with the brand’s grassroots origins and growing acclaim.
With a strong presence on social media, PopUp Bagels has taken off in popularity, especially for its freshly baked offerings. The chain first started as a backyard pickup window for a close circle of friends before blossoming into both a pop-up and permanent business model. The brand has also been recognized as having the No. 1 bagel in New York City by Yelp ratings, further establishing its reputation.
To alleviate long wait times that had been experienced at previous locations, customers will have the option to pre-order their bagels online. They can browse the menu, select their desired bagels and schmears, and choose a convenient pick-up time, ensuring a smoother experience for all patrons. The menu of schmears is refreshed every Wednesday to offer new flavors and options.
Founders and franchise partners, Griffin Thall and Paul Goodman, both alumni of San Diego State University, have signed a franchise deal that could lead to the establishment of up to 10 PopUp Bagels locations within San Diego County over the next five years. They are currently assessing various neighborhoods to strategically place new locations while avoiding conflicts where sales might overlap.
PopUp Bagels stands out in the market due to its focus on the product’s quality. The bagels are freshly baked and are served warm, sold in packs of three, six, or a dozen, and are presented whole, with the unique texture characterized as crisp on the outside while light and fluffy on the inside.
The first permanent PopUp Bagels store was inaugurated in 2021, with subsequent locations anticipated to follow swiftly. Notably, a mobile PopUp bagel van has generated significant buzz, drawing long lines of eager customers at the Hotel del Coronado, with some waiting as long as two hours for their bagels. The online pre-orders are highly sought after and often sell out rapidly, sometimes in under two minutes.
Additonally, competition in the bagel market is heating up in Southern California, as another franchise group has announced plans to open 25 PopUp Bagels locations across Los Angeles and Orange counties. Moreover, H&H Bagels, a recognized name from New York City, has also revealed intentions to launch 10 locations in San Diego and Orange counties, intensifying the competitive landscape.
The evolution of San Diego’s bagel scene reflects a broader trend of increased interest and innovative concepts, leading many to speculate that the region is on the verge of a “golden age of bagels.” As PopUp Bagels prepares to make its mark, local bagel enthusiasts are anticipating a fresh wave of flavor and quality in their neighborhoods.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
San Diego Entrepreneurs Launching 10 New PopUp Bagels Locations
Additional Resources
- Fox 5 San Diego: PopUp Bagels in San Diego
- San Diego Union Tribune: East Coast Bagel Brand Heads to San Diego
- Axios: New York-Style Bagel Shop Rise in San Diego
- San Diego Magazine: Marigold Bagels Shop Opening in North Park
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bagels
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
