CLEVELAND, Sept. 03, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PopUp Bagels, the award-winning bagel brand known for its signature Grip, Rip and Dip® experience, is expanding across the Great Lakes region with the opening of its first Ohio location in Greater Cleveland. Located at 28899 Chagrin Blvd. in Woodmere’s Eton Chagrin Boulevard, the new shop marks the beginning of a broader Midwest expansion, with 14 additional locations planned across Michigan and Ohio over the next 4 years.
The brand serves bagels straight from the oven, hot and whole, intended to be ripped apart and dipped into schmear. By putting the focus on the bagel itself and rethinking how it’s enjoyed, the brand offers a fresh take on a category rooted in tradition, creating a communal, craveable experience that feels distinctly its own.
Founded by Adam Goldberg in his Connecticut backyard in 2021, PopUp Bagels has rapidly grown into one of the most talked-about names in the bagel category. With its signature whole bagels, limited-edition schmear releases, and creative collaborations, the brand has earned a loyal following by creating a fresh take on the conventional bagel experience.
“As we continue to expand, we’re focused on bringing PopUp Bagels to markets where the brand can become a meaningful part of the community,” said Tory Bartlett, CEO of PopUp Bagels. “We’re excited to introduce our hot bagels and the Grip, Rip and Dip® experience to a new group of bagel lovers across the Great Lakes.”
The brand’s Cleveland debut and greater Midwest expansion is led by partner Kal Gullapalli of Built Different Brands, who is bringing PopUp Bagels’ community-first philosophy to the region. A Detroit native and longtime believer in the brand, Gullapalli has opened five locations across Florida, including in Tampa, Jacksonville, and Orlando, and is now focused on bringing the same experience that has resonated with bagel lovers there to communities across Michigan and Ohio.
“PopUp Bagels has that ‘you have to try this’ factor, and we’re incredibly excited to bring that experience to Ohio and Michigan,” said Kal Gullapalli of Built Different Brands. “There’s something special about a concept that can be so simple while creating such a memorable experience. We look forward to introducing PopUp Bagels to communities across both states and continuing to cultivate the loyal following the brand has become known for.”
The Michigan and Ohio shops will offer walk-in ordering, advance pickup, and catering, while staying true to the brand’s core philosophy: serving high-quality bagels hot from the oven and designed to be shared.
ABOUT POPUP BAGELS
At PopUp Bagels, our mission is fueled by passion and dedication: to craft unmistakably perfect bagels with no frills, using the essence of simplicity – crispy crusts, soft crumb centers, and an ideal proportion of seeds. Every bagel is a product of precision, from the high-quality ingredients in our dough to the meticulous proofing process and expert bake that achieves the perfect texture and flavor. Our commitment to quality goes beyond the bagel itself – innovating with top brands, chefs, and tastemakers to create epic schmears that elevate the cream cheese experience with bold, unexpected flavors.
What started as a local sensation, founded by Adam Goldberg in Westport, CT, has quickly grown into a celebrated name. It has earned acclaim from bagel lovers and industry experts alike and led to a nationwide expansion. No sandwiches here – we serve our bagels fresh from the oven, hot and whole, to Grip, Rip and Dip. Loyal fans enjoy our bagels right from the bag, or they can be taken home or to the park to enjoy in endless ways. Follow our story on Instagram or our website, and come try for yourself how every bagel crafted is a testament to our commitment to perfection.
ABOUT BUILT DIFFERENT BRANDS (BDB)
Built Different Brands (BDB) is a growing franchise organization that owns and operates more than 77 locations across eight brands: Dave’s Hot Chicken, Mike’s Red Tacos, Hand & Stone, Restore Hyper Wellness, Sandbox VR, PopUp Bagels, Marco’s Pizza, and VIO Med Spa. Built on a commitment to people, culture, and execution, BDB brings leading franchise concepts to communities across the country. Learn more at bdbrands.com.
ABOUT ETON CHAGRIN BLVD
Eton Chagrin Blvd. is Northeast Ohio’s premier luxury lifestyle destination, offering a curated collection of luxury retailers, distinctive boutiques, chef-driven dining, and national brands in the heart of Woodmere, Ohio. The 330,000-square-foot mixed-use center is home to many exclusive-to-market concepts, creating a one-of-a-kind shopping and dining experience. Complemented by beautifully landscaped gardens, public art, signature events, and inviting gathering spaces, Eton continues to be a destination where fashion, food, and community come together. Developed and managed by Stark Enterprises, Eton is committed to bringing best-in-class retail, dining, and lifestyle experiences to Northeast Ohio. For more information, visit www.etonchagrinblvd.com.
Contact:
M18PR – popupbagels@m18pr.com
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