Operations

Celebs Paul Rudd, Michael Strahan, Michael Phelps investing in NY bagel concept

Provided

November 29, 2022

New York-based PopupBagels may have started in the kitchen of founder Adam Goldberg, but the three-unit chain is expanding thanks to investments led by Hollywood producer John Davis.

Joining Davis, who helped incubate Lebron's Blaze Pizza, Wetzel's Pretzels and Dave's Hot Chicken, is Darren Rovell's Tastemaker Capital, as well as angel investors Matt LaCasse, Paul Applebaum and Sam Hendel, actors Patrick Schwarzenegger and Paul Rudd, as well as athletes JJ and TJ Watt, Michael Phelps and Michael Strahan and his business partner Constance Schwartz-Morini.

Baked with a crispy and chewy crust and light-style crumb, PopupBagels also specializes in spreads, called schmears, in both classic and inventive flavors, like Grilled Scallion, Dill Pickle, UTZ Cheeseball, Momofuku Chili Crunch Butter and more, according to a press release.

"PopupBagels started as a home kitchen project to share my love for baking, and a unique bagel recipe with friends," Goldberg said in the release. "As word spread, customers began clamoring for our bagels and we began to expand our operation. I'm thrilled to have the support of many experienced investors as we prepare to scale."

Capital raised from the seed round will be used to grow the company's corporate team and prepare for expansion in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut via small-footprint storefronts and existing underutilized restaurant kitchens. Although the chain is focused on corporate-owned locations, franchising is possible in the future.