East Coast-Based Bagel Brand Opening First CA Location In San Diego

SAN DIEGO, CA — An East Coast-based bagel brand is expanding to the West Coast and opening its first California location in San Diego.

PopUp Bagels, known for fresh, hot bagels and rotating schmears, is set to open its doors Nov. 21 at 637 Pearl St. in La Jolla.

The new La Jolla location is the first franchise location in the Golden State, with an additional 35 stores slated to open over the next several years in Southern California, according to the company. The chain is working with San Diego partners Paul Goodman and Griffin Thall, known as The Bagel Boyz, to bring the cult-followed "Grip, Rip and Dip" craze to the West Coast.

"La Jolla felt like the natural choice for PopUp Bagels' first California home," Goodman and Thall said in a joint statement to Patch. "The community's passion for great food, local experiences, and neighborhood connection makes it the perfect place to introduce the 'Grip, Rip, and Dip' experience to the West Coast."

The New York-style bagel brand, which started in 2021 in Connecticut, has quickly gained a loyal following. The northeast staple now has stores in Connecticut, Florida, Massachusetts and New York.

Goodman and Thall plan to open 10 locations in San Diego County over the next several years, a news release said. The shops will serve bagels for walk-ins, advance orders and catering.

"When we experienced PopUp Bagels in New York, we were instantly hooked by the energy," Goodman and Thall said in a joint statement. "The lines out the door, the creative schmears, and the sense of community built around something as simple as a bagel — it all felt electric.

"We knew right then it was something special. Bringing PopUp Bagels to our hometown of San Diego isn't just about great food; it's about recreating that same excitement, connection, and neighborhood spirit for a whole new community."

To mark the opening, PopUp Bagels will offer a limited-edition schmear. Truff Cream Cheese, made in partnership with truffle-infused condiments brand TRUFF, will launch on opening day at the 1650-square-foot La Jolla location and only be available until it is sold out.

PopUp Bagels will be open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Sunday.