PopUp Bagels opening first-ever Minnesota location in Minneapolis

On a crisp autumn morning in Minneapolis, a small crowd gathers outside a nondescript storefront at 107 3rd Avenue North in the North Loop neighborhood. Excitement is palpable as local residents, many with eager anticipation, await the opening of a new culinary destination that promises to redefine their breakfast experience. For some, it’s a chance to indulge in a beloved comfort food; for others, it’s a glimpse into a growing regional trend. This moment marks the debut of Visit PopUp Bagels online, a brand that has quietly gained a sizable social media following and now aims to bring its distinctive style to Minnesota.

What Happened: A New Bagel Experience Arrives in Minneapolis

PopUp Bagels, known for its innovative "Grip, Rip and Dip" approach to bagels, is set to open its first Minnesota location on November 6. Unlike traditional bagel shops that focus on sliced or sandwich-ready bagels, this brand emphasizes a more interactive, communal eating style. Customers are encouraged to rip apart their bagels and dip them into a variety of schmears, with a focus on fresh, hot-baked bagels served straight from the oven.

The North Loop store is not just a new eatery but part of a broader expansion plan that could see up to ten locations across the Twin Cities in the coming years. The company’s founders see this as a way to introduce a different kind of bagel experience—one rooted in sharing, simplicity, and quality. The opening is timed perfectly to meet the growing demand for artisanal, Instagram-worthy food experiences that emphasize authenticity and community.

The store’s debut will feature an exclusive regional flavor, the Old Dutch Spicy Cheddar and Sour Cream Schmear, inspired by Minnesota’s iconic potato chips. This limited-time offering aims to connect local flavors with the brand’s unique style, creating a sense of regional pride and community connection.

The Vision Behind the Brand

Founded in 2021 in Westport, Connecticut, by Adam Goldberg, PopUp Bagels quickly built a following through social media, attracting fans who appreciated its playful, no-fuss approach to a classic food. The brand’s emphasis on serving bagels hot and fresh, without the need for slicing or sandwich assembly, resonates with busy families and young professionals alike. The Minneapolis store will be led by local partners Dan Daquisto and Alex Smereczniak of Hustle & Dough, who are committed to bringing the brand’s core values of quality and community to their hometown.

Daquisto emphasizes the importance of authentic, shareable experiences. “PopUp Bagels is truly a different kind of bagel experience,” he explains. “We don’t do sandwiches; we serve every bagel hot and straight from the oven. It’s all about bringing people together over great bagels in a fun, shareable way.” This focus on community and tradition aligns well with the values of many Minnesota families, where strong marriages and authentic faith form the backbone of daily life.

Community Reaction and Local Impact

The announcement of PopUp Bagels’ arrival has sparked excitement among Minneapolis residents, many of whom are eager to try a new take on a familiar favorite. Social media buzz has already begun, with locals sharing their anticipation and hopes for the store to become a neighborhood staple. The company’s plans to open multiple locations across the Twin Cities suggest a long-term commitment to serving the community and fostering local connections.

Local business leaders see the expansion as a positive sign for Minneapolis’ vibrant food scene. The partnership with Hustle & Dough, a well-known Minneapolis-based bakery and catering company, underscores a commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs and creating jobs. The store’s focus on walk-in orders, advance pickup, and catering options also aligns with the city’s growing demand for convenient, high-quality dining experiences that cater to busy families and professionals alike.

Supporting Local Families and Faith

In a city known for its strong community ties and faith-centered values, businesses like PopUp Bagels that prioritize quality and connection are especially meaningful. Families that stay together, rooted in shared traditions and genuine relationships, form the fabric of Edina and Minneapolis. The company’s emphasis on fresh, shareable food that brings people together echoes the importance of fostering environments where families can gather and build lasting memories.

The expansion of PopUp Bagels also offers opportunities for local employment and economic growth, reinforcing the American dream of small business success rooted in community support and faithfulness. As the brand grows, it exemplifies how authentic, family-oriented values can shape a thriving local economy.

Moreover, the North Loop neighborhood itself is a vibrant hub of activity, blending historic warehouses with modern apartments, boutique shops, and tech startups. The arrival of PopUp Bagels adds to this dynamic mix, offering a casual yet innovative dining option that complements the neighborhood’s reputation for trendy, community-oriented businesses. The North Loop has become a destination for young professionals, artists, and entrepreneurs, making it an ideal location for a brand that emphasizes sharing and community bonding.

As Minneapolis continues to evolve, the city’s diverse culinary scene reflects its residents’ eclectic tastes and values. The addition of PopUp Bagels offers a fresh, playful alternative to more traditional breakfast spots, appealing especially to those seeking Instagram-worthy, artisanal foods that emphasize authenticity and local flavor. The store’s opening is anticipated to draw both locals and visitors eager to experience something new and exciting.

Looking ahead, the company’s vision to develop up to ten stores in the region reflects a broader trend of community-focused entrepreneurship. The success of this first location could inspire other small businesses to prioritize quality, authenticity, and genuine connection—values that are increasingly vital in today’s fast-paced world.

For residents of Minneapolis and the surrounding communities, the arrival of PopUp Bagels promises more than just a new breakfast spot; it signals a return to simple, wholesome traditions that celebrate family, faith, and community. As the city continues to grow and evolve, businesses that honor these values will remain central to its identity and strength.

As the North Loop prepares to welcome this new culinary venture, it’s clear that PopUp Bagels’ Minnesota debut is more than a business expansion—it’s a reaffirmation of community, tradition, and the enduring American dream of building something lasting together.