PopUp Bagels, known for its “Grip, Rip and Dip” craze, is opening its second Tampa Bay location on November 14 at 12817 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Carrollwood.
The New York-style bagel brand, which started in Connecticut in 2021, quickly gained a loyal following.
Its expansion into Carrollwood demonstrates how rapidly Tampa Bay’s food scene is growing and the significant demand for quick, high-quality food with personality.
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What happened
PopUp Bagels became popular for its no-slice, no-sandwich approach. Every bagel is served hot and whole, straight from the oven. Customers tear and dip instead of cutting and spreading.
The brand opened its first Tampa location earlier this year and has seen steady crowds. “Our Carrollwood opening is a measure of the love and support the people of Tampa have for fresh, hot bagels,” said CEO Tory Bartlett.
The new location will serve walk-in customers, take advance orders and offer catering.
What’s happening now
To mark the opening, PopUp Bagels is offering a limited-edition Smash Raspberry Habanero cream cheese made in partnership with Kickstand Cocktails, a local craft vodka soda company. The schmear will be available only at the Carrollwood location while supplies last.
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Tampa partner Kal Gullapalli said the excitement is real. “The buzz around PopUp Bagels in Florida is only growing and we’re thrilled to bring the brand to new communities,” he said.
PopUp Bagels plans to open 30 more Florida locations, including in Delray Beach, Miami and West Palm Beach.
What this means for Tampa Bay
Tampa has become a launch point for national and regional restaurant brands expanding across the state of Florida. PopUp Bagels joins a wave of fast-casual and specialty food concepts choosing the region because of its strong economy, population growth and food-loving culture.
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For local entrepreneurs, the company’s success shows the value of a simple concept built on quality and consistency. For consumers, it means more options in a market where flavor and freshness are top priorities.
What you can do now
PopUp Bagels opens Thursday, November 14. Early customers can try the limited-edition schmear and enjoy bagels baked throughout the day.
Orders can be placed online at popupbagels.com.
Takeaway
PopUp Bagels’ move into Carrollwood shows how Tampa Bay continues to attract ambitious food brands.
What started as a backyard project has become a regional hit that fits the area’s appetite for originality, speed and local flavor.
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