{"id":211962,"date":"2026-06-05T22:28:21","date_gmt":"2026-06-05T22:28:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/211962\/"},"modified":"2026-06-05T22:28:21","modified_gmt":"2026-06-05T22:28:21","slug":"popup-bagels-is-opening-in-ardmore-and-area-residents-have-mixed-thoughts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/211962\/","title":{"rendered":"PopUp Bagels is opening in Ardmore and area residents have mixed thoughts"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hi, Lower Merion<\/a>! \ud83d\udc4b<\/p>\n

A popular new bagel shop coming to Ardmore is dividing locals with its \u201cgrip, rip, and dip\u201d<\/a> approach. Also this week, we look at how places like Gladwyne ended up with their names<\/a>, Montgomery County is being called Philadelphia\u2019s most economically strong suburb<\/a>, and a Paoli\/Thorndale rider is relieved about SEPTA\u2019s returned service<\/a> \u2014 at least for now.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve made a few changes to the newsletter since it launched earlier this year, and we want to know what you think. Tell us by taking our survey<\/a> or emailing us at lowermerion@inquirer.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Inquirer<\/p>\n

Inquirer Lower Merion<\/p>\n

A Weekly Newsletter<\/p>\n

Want to get Inquirer Lower Merion straight to your inbox every week? Sign up here for our guide to the news, stories, and events shaping life in your community.<\/p>\n

If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

When news of the social media-famous PopUp Bagels opening in Ardmore broke last week, some online commenters were thrilled. One said it was the \u201cbest news of 2025,\u201d while another said she would make the 40-minute drive from Fishtown to visit. <\/p>\n

To its fans, biting into one of PopUp\u2019s hot bagels \u201cfeels like winning the lottery in a way.\u201d <\/p>\n

But it\u2019s not for everyone. Unlike other chains, PopUp serves its bagels unsliced with tubs of cream cheese or butter for dipping. The bagels are also only available in sets of three, six, or 12. Those guidelines are something of a sticking point for one Ardmore resident who noted it\u2019s \u201cnot proper etiquette\u201d and that she has no use for so many bagels. <\/p>\n

The Inquirer\u2019s Beatrice Forman chatted with area residents about what they think about the popular bagel shop<\/a>. <\/p>\n

\ud83d\udca1 Community News<\/p>\n

Ever wonder about the oddity of some of the region\u2019s names? The Inquirer\u2019s Anthony R. Wood delves into how some names like Gladwyne came about<\/a>. We\u2019ve also put together a quiz where you can test your knowledge about area places and their governing bodies<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Speaking of curiosities, have a question about town you can\u2019t seem to answer? Submit it to Curious Lower Merion and our reporters may set out to the find the answer<\/a>. <\/p>\n

We caught up with one Paoli\/Thorndale Regional Rail rider on how SEPTA\u2019s proposed cuts might have impacted her work and social life. Dana Gold takes the line every weekday to her job at Bryn Mawr College and said she feels a certain level of relief now that SEPTA has restored all service. Still, she worries about the state\u2019s budget and how it might impact public transit later on. Hear what else she had to say<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Montgomery County is proving itself to be the \u201cstrongest suburban county economically,\u201d according to one economic development expert, thanks to its continued strength in office jobs and leasing activity. The county held 31.4% of the region\u2019s office jobs in 2024, slightly below the city\u2019s 32.7%<\/a>.<\/p>\n

An Ardmore native and Friends\u2019 Central alum is behind what\u2019s become \u201ca Juilliard School for basketball.\u201d We delve into what inspired Dan Porter to start Overtime Elite, a basketball league that pays 17\u2013 to 20-year-old players a minimum salary of $100,000 annually. Just three years afters its founding, it crossed the $100 million threshold in yearly revenue for the first time in 2024<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Kristi Hughes, the widow of the late and beloved Lower Merion High School Principal Sean Hughes, who was killed in a car crash in 2021<\/a>, reflected in a recent opinion piece on six lessons she\u2019s learned since her husband\u2019s death. Among them, the mother of three and a breast cancer survivor talks about learning not to apologize for things we should never have to apologize for<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Bryn Mawr College has hired its first associate director of civil rights and bias response. Cary Carr has been appointed to the position and is also taking over as the school\u2019s Title IX coordinator, where she will manage student complaints regarding Title IX and civil rights law violations. (The Bi-College News<\/a>)<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfeb Schools Briefing<\/p>\n

Penn Valley Elementary School is hosting its fall festival<\/a> tonight from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Monday is picture day for Lower Merion High School students and all schools will be closed next Thursday. See the district\u2019s full calendar here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Shipley School is hosting its Super Saturday event<\/a> this weekend, which includes Lower School fun runs, several sporting events, a community barbecue from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and an alumni reception, capped by a soccer game. <\/p>\n

\ud83c\udf7d\ufe0f On our Plate<\/p>\n

Nanu\u2019s Hot Chicken opens tomorrow<\/a> at 59 W. Lancaster Ave. in Ardmore, taking over the former Pok\u00e9Ono space. The chain, known for its spicy chicken tenders, chicken sandwiches, wings and fries, is offering free food from 4 to 8 p.m. for its grand opening celebration. <\/p>\n

You can score a free coffee at Char & Stave\u2019s Ardmore location on Monday as the cafe and cocktail joint celebrates National Coffee Day<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Maison Lotus<\/a>, the splashy French-Vietnamese restaurant that opened in Wayne this March, is now serving brunch<\/a>. The service is available Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., where customers can order<\/a> dim sum, starters, pastries, classic brunch items like French toast or an omelet, a tea tower, and an array of cocktails. <\/p>\n

With summer officially in the rearview, The Inquirer\u2019s Michael Klein recently rounded up 25 notable openings that took place this past season, including Burtons Grill & Bar in Wayne and Triple Crown in Radnor. See the full list here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfb3 Things to Do<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udf42 The Landing Kitchen Fall Art & Craft Festival<\/a>: A range of local vendors selling clothing, vintage goods, candles, home decor, knitwear, pastries, and more will set up shop on the restaurant\u2019s patio. \u23f0 Saturday, Sept. 27, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. \ud83d\udcb5 Pay as you go \ud83d\udccd The Landing Kitchen<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udc11 35th Annual Farmstead Fair<\/a>: Explore Harriton House\u2019s past through living history demonstrations and house tours. There will also be games, vendors, live music, farm animals, food and drinks. The Attic Treasures Sale will also be held during the fair, where you can purchase donated household goods, collectibles, toys, and games, all benefiting Harriton House. \u23f0 Saturday, Sept. 27, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. \ud83d\udcb5 Free \ud83d\udccd Harriton House<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfb5 David Bowie & More for Kids<\/a>: The Rock and Roll Playhouse is hosting a family-friendly David Bowie-themed concert. \u23f0 Saturday, Sept. 27, 11:45 a.m. \ud83d\udcb5 $20.44 \ud83d\udccd Ardmore Music Hall <\/p>\n

\ud83c\udf6c Science with Food<\/a>: Kids ages 6 and older can create their own food-based science project. \u23f0 Saturday, Sept. 27, 4-5:30 p.m. \ud83d\udcb5 $37.10 \ud83d\udccd The Candy Lab<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfbe Pickleball Palooza<\/a>: Learn to play the popular sport or brush up on your knowledge. The first hour is dedicated to seniors, while the following 90 minutes are open to all ages. \u23f0 Sunday, Sept. 28, 3-5:30 p.m. \ud83d\udcb5 $25 for seniors, $30 for all other participants \ud83d\udccd Kaiserman JCC<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udf7f Desperately Seeking Susan<\/a>: Catch a screening of the 1985 film starring Madonna and Rosanna Arquette, remastered in 4K. \u23f0 Tuesday, Sept. 30, 7 p.m. \ud83d\udcb5 $11.75-$16.25 \ud83d\udccd Bryn Mawr Film Institute <\/p>\n

\ud83c\udf83 Teen Paper Pumpkins<\/a>: Teens ages 13 to 17 can create two types of pumpkins out of books. \u23f0 Wednesday, Oct. 1, 5-6 p.m. \ud83d\udcb5 Free \ud83d\udccd Bala Cynwyd Library <\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfe1 On the Market<\/p>\n

A Villanova carriage house with two saunas and a pool<\/a><\/p>\n

Known as Au Vallon, which translates to \u201cIn the Valley,\u201d this Villanova carriage home was built in 1875 and has undergone numerous recent updates, while retaining its historic charm, including original stone walls and wooden beams. Situated on nearly two acres, the five-bedroom home features a formal living room, a dining room, a family room, and an eat-in kitchen with granite countertops, high-end appliances, and a walk-in pantry. Each of the home\u2019s bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms, and several have fireplaces, terraces or balconies, like the primary suite, which has a Juliet balcony overlooking the pool. The large suite also has a soaking tub and a sauna. On the lower level, there\u2019s a second sauna plus a gym. Outside, there are gardens, an all\u00e9e of Linden trees, patios, a recently restored pool, and a newly built pool house. <\/p>\n

See more photos of the property here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Price: $2.999M | Size: 7,397 SF | Acreage: 1.96<\/p>\n

Have you seen an interesting listing in or around Lower Merion? Share it with us in an email to lowermerion@inquirer.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\uddde\ufe0f What other Lower Merion residents are reading this week: <\/p>\n

By submitting your written, visual, and\/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer\u2019s Terms of Use<\/a>, including the grant of rights in Section 10.<\/p>\n

This suburban content is produced with support from the Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation and The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Editorial content is created independently of the project donors. Gifts to support The Inquirer\u2019s high-impact journalism can be made at inquirer.com\/donate<\/a>. A list of Lenfest Institute donors can be found at lenfestinstitute.org\/supporters<\/a>.<\/p>\n