Bagel brand goes national
“Not Famous But Known” bagel shop is opening its first Philadelphia storefront and has announced plans for 12 new Texas locations—national expansion is official (globenewswire.com). The rollout signals continued demand for cult regional breakfast brands scaling to big markets (globenewswire.com).
Started in a Westport, Connecticut backyard in 2020, the brand began as a presale pickup operation that emphasized hot-from-the-oven bagels rather than full dine-in service. (popupbagels.com) Founder Adam Goldberg turned that hobby into a retail concept after early pop-up sellouts and rapid social-media growth. (resident.com) The shops operate on a tight menu and operational model — preorders with set pickup windows, unsliced bagels sold in minimum quantities, and a signature “Grip, Rip and Dip” serving style promoted by the company. (popupbagels.com) PopUp Bagels captured industry attention early, taking the People’s Choice top prize at Brooklyn BagelFest in 2021 and returning regularly to that festival circuit. (bkmag.com) Investors include growth-equity firm Stripes and a roster of celebrity backers; the company raised roughly $8 million in a 2023 round led by Stripes as it prepared to scale. (restaurantbusinessonline.com) Since launching a franchising strategy under CEO Tory Bartlett in late 2024, the company has reported a multi-hundred-unit pipeline and has stated a target of roughly 100 open shops by the end of 2027, with initial franchise investment ranges listed in its FDD at approximately $312,600–$884,150. (foodandbeveragetimes.com)
