If you live in Westfield, New Jersey or know the town’s hottest most popular news you would know that PopUp Bagels is coming to Westfield. As known, New Jersey is known for their bagels. Some dream about the morning bagel they are about to wake up to eat. So, many bagel shops are crucial for towns in New Jersey. PopUp bagels, which originated in New York City are known for their “Grip, Rip, and Dip” process. The bagels come fresh and hot everyday and their “schmers,” cream cheese or butter spreads are the most perfect toppings for those warm, yummy bagels.
After starting as a viral hit in New York City and Connecticut, the brand is opening its first New Jersey shop in Westfield, which will hopefully have a massive grand opening. “PopUp Bagels, the “Not Famous but Known” bagel brand, is expanding into New Jersey, with its first location set to open in Westfield early this summer. The Westfield shop marks the first of more than 25 planned locations across New Jersey, alongside continued expansion into upstate New York. Since its debut in Connecticut in 2021, PopUp Bagels has been known for its distinctive approach and noteworthy collaborations” (ROI.Nj Staff). Instead of relying on regular advertising, they built a cult following using collaborations and exclusivity. Opening in Westfield is a smart move for them to go to a very high populated suburban crowd. So hopefully they can keep their trendy, delicious shop going. Seventh grader Silvanna Perna stated, “The store will be successful because it’s popular and everyone knows it from New York. When they come from the train after work from the city they will recognize it and want to try.”
PopUp Bagels is located right next to a train station where many people commute to and from New York City. Given that New York City is where all the PopUp Bagels are located, this may draw attention to some people resulting in an increase in customers. Is the PopUp Bagels location a boost in their competition?
We have heard from many customers at PopUp Bagels that PopUp Bagels is a “different” type of bagel shop. It isn’t your ordinary bagel nor toppings. “PopUp Bagels specializes in a bagel style that’s a bit outside the regional norm. Their bagels are on the smaller side and served hot and crispy, with fresh batches baked constantly throughout the day. PopUp Bagels doesn’t do sandwiches, and they don’t slice their bagels either. Instead, customers are encouraged to tear pieces of chewy, crispy bagel and dip them into flavored schmears,” (Candia). Some Westfield residents may like this new idea but others may think it’s “too classy” or just something they are not interested in considering this is the first PopUp Bagels in the area. In addition to that, Physical Education teacher, Mrs. Christine Cabrales noted that, “Manhattan and PopUp Bagels are totally different types of places.”
PopUp Bagels has popular social media sites where they are active daily, introducing new products or taking feedback from their customers. Eighth grader Alexander Heuck said, “PopUp Bagels is a popular thing on social media and it’s good and a new concept than normal bagel places don’t have.”
Alex also later explained how she has been to the PopUp Bagels in New York City and has waited in long lines with tons of people, to get her bagel. A big topic when PopUp Bagels opened in New York City was the long wait. Sean Keeley wrote a review explaining her personal experience trying PopUp Bagels in New York City. “The store opened at 7:00 a.m. and I was there by 7:05 a.m. While there were only two people in front of me when I got in line, there were about a dozen people behind me by the time I left,” (Keeley). PopUp Bagels opens bright and early in the morning, so that bagels are fresh and ready to make a perfect morning.
“I like bagels; my normal order is an everything bagel with plain cream cheese,” eighth grader Stella Bruscianelli shared. PopUp bagels doesn’t sell individual bagels with spreads on top like Stella’s favorite order. So will PopUp bagels eventually become “Pop Down” bagels? It seems unlikely. Some people worry that the unconventional, sandwich-free concept might be too inconvenient for New Jersey residents. From the commuters in NYC, curious social media followers, and great location by the train location, the new Westfield shop is set up for success. It does not need to worry about traditional bagel shops like Manhattan bagel because it provides a different experience. As long as Westfield residents remain hungry for a hot, crispy “grip, rip, and dip” treat, this viral sensation is here to stay, proving that it is much more than a social media trend.
