PopUp Bagels will open its Rockledge location in Brevard County on June 5, following a Winter Park opening on May 29. The chain, which first arrived in Florida last September with a Tampa shop, plans to open at least 30 more locations across the state, with a goal of 40 shops within four years. Kal Gullapalli, CEO of Built Different Brands and franchise partner for PopUp Bagels in Florida, said the company is focusing on real estate that aligns with customer demand.
The Rockledge location will be the second in Brevard County, joining a Rockledge spot that opened in late 2025. The brand’s rapid growth follows its initial success in Tampa, where the first Florida shop opened in September 2025. By next year, the company expects to have eight locations in Florida, up from one less than a year ago.
Gullapalli, who bought franchise rights to PopUp Bagels in Florida north of Jupiter, said the chain’s strategy hinges on identifying high-traffic areas. “We’re just trying to find the best real estate,” he told USA Today Network. The company has already begun planning locations in Miami, Sarasota, and Jacksonville, with at least three shops expected in the latter city.
Tory Bartlett, CEO of PopUp Bagels, said the company’s expansion into Florida was driven by the influx of northeasters moving to the state. “We knew our customers were there,” Bartlett said. “We thought it would be a very lucrative market and we’ve been right so far.”
Current projects include two Miami locations and a Sarasota spot, with additional interest in Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Coconut Grove, and Coral Springs. The Rockledge location, part of the Viera area, is expected to draw locals and visitors to Brevard’s growing food scene.
With 30+ locations planned, PopUp Bagels’ expansion could reshape the state’s breakfast landscape, offering its signature small bagels and “grip, rip and dip” eating method to new customers across Florida.