PopUp Bagels has announced plans to enter the Alabama market, with the first location scheduled to open in Birmingham. This move marks a significant stage in the brand’s expansion across the Southeast, with further sites planned for Tuscaloosa, Mobile, and Huntsville.
The entry into Alabama is being facilitated through a partnership with PB Alabama, an operating group led by Alex Bishop. This collaboration is designed to manage the brand’s rollout across the state while establishing local operational hubs.
According to the company, the expansion strategy aims to replicate the brand's existing service model, which centres on community-focused locations. The Alabama sites are expected to support walk-in orders, advance pickup, and catering services.
PopUp Bagels, which originated in Connecticut in 2021, utilises a distinctive service model that differentiates it from traditional bakery concepts. The brand focuses on the preparation of bagels served hot from the oven, intended for shared consumption.
The service model encourages a communal approach, with the product designed to be torn apart and paired with various cream cheese-based condiments. This operational focus has been a key factor in the brand's development since its inception.
Tory Bartlett, CEO of PopUp Bagels, noted that the selection of Birmingham for the initial launch was influenced by the city’s culinary sector and community infrastructure. The planned sites in Tuscaloosa, Mobile, and Huntsville indicate a commitment to maintaining a presence in both major metropolitan and regional centres within the state.
The expansion follows a period of growth for the brand, which has sought to scale its operations while retaining the specific production methods and communal dining philosophy established at its founding.
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