Delray Beach To Welcome New York’s Beloved Bagel Shop

PopUp Bagels, a Connecticut-born bagel shop renowned for its fresh, airy bagels and creative cream cheese pairings, is set to open its first permanent Florida location in Delray Beach this summer. Known for drawing massive lines and viral attention, the brand started in 2020 during the pandemic in founder Adam Goldberg's backyard in Westport, Connecticut. The concept quickly expanded, fueled by an $8 million investment and backing from celebrity investors like Paul Rudd, Michael Phelps, and JJ Watt.

A Viral Hit Expands South

PopUp Bagels gained traction beyond Connecticut, becoming a sensation in New York City, where fans queued for hours to snag their offerings. In 2024, the shop made its South Florida debut with a pop-up at Palm Beach’s historic Colony Hotel. The success was undeniable, with bagels selling out daily and garnering widespread social media buzz. This prompted plans for not one but four locations in South Florida by 2025, with Delray Beach leading the charge.

The Simple Formula Behind the Hype

The shop’s menu sticks to five bagel varieties—plain, sesame, poppy, salt, and everything—served hot and whole, with no slicing or sandwiches. What sets it apart is its rotating cream cheese menu, featuring bold collaborations like a "Cup of Noodles" schmear or garlicky escargot spread, created with culinary stars like Dominique Ansel. This unique approach earned PopUp Bagels the title of "Best Bagel" at Brooklyn Bagelfest two years in a row.

Building a South Florida Presence

Located near Delray Beach’s Ray Hotel, the new store’s construction will begin in the coming weeks, with a late spring opening planned. Founder Adam Goldberg expressed excitement about expanding into Florida, noting the need for stronger infrastructure to support multiple stores. Additional locations across South Florida, as well as central and northern parts of the state, are in the works, with details expected soon.

Social Media Buzz

The announcement, fittingly made on National Bagel Day, sparked a flood of excitement on Instagram, with fans eagerly welcoming the shop to the Sunshine State. Comments ranged from celebratory to hopeful requests for locations in other Florida cities like Orlando.

PopUp Bagels’ journey from a backyard experiment to a nationwide phenomenon reflects its simple yet innovative approach to the classic New York bagel, and South Florida is just the latest step in its ongoing rise.