Viral bagel shop Pop Up Bagels has officially landed in Tampa, bringing its cult-followed brand to Florida for the first time. Known for its mantra, “not famous but known,” the Connecticut-born chain has been redefining how bagel lovers enjoy their favorite breakfast staple. With its newest opening, locals can finally join in on the buzz that has already swept across the Northeast. For menus, updates, and announcements, check the official site or follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
From Backyard Project to Award-Winning Bagels
What started as a backyard project in Connecticut quickly evolved into one of the region’s most talked-about food concepts. Within just a few years, Pop Up Bagels has grown into a Northeastern staple, earning accolades such as “Best Bagel” at Brooklyn BagelFest two years in a row. This achievement, combined with the chain’s underground, word-of-mouth growth, proves that sometimes the best food experiences come from passion-driven beginnings.
Tampa’s New Bagel Destination
Opening its first Florida store at 4528 W Kennedy Blvd., the shop transforms the former McNatt’s Cleaners into a buzzing food spot. Doors open Friday, Sept. 5, giving Tampa residents the chance to taste bagels served whole, not cut, paired with generous 6-oz. tubs of cream cheese for dipping. Flavors include plain, salt, poppy seed, and everything, alongside seasonal specialties that keep the menu exciting. The always-available plain and scallion schmears, plus a rotating schmear of the week, ensure there’s something new to try every visit.
Expansion Beyond the Northeast
With 14 stores already thriving in Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts, Pop Up Bagels has bold ambitions for the future. The brand announced plans to open 300 franchise locations across the U.S., targeting Georgia, Tennessee, the Carolinas, California, and beyond. This nationwide growth strategy underscores its mission to transform the bagel scene one city at a time.
Tampa Franchise Owner’s Vision
Local franchise owner Kal Gullapalli expressed excitement about the Tampa launch, noting that he also plans to bring Pop Up Bagels to Orlando later this year. His efforts reflect the brand’s desire to connect communities through food while building on the unique energy that comes with each store opening. For Florida bagel fans, this could mark the beginning of a much larger Pop Up Bagels presence across the state.
Are Tampa’s bagel lovers ready to join the movement? With its cult following and expansion plans, Pop Up Bagels might just redefine the way Floridians think about breakfast.
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