PopUp Bagels Founder on Product Momentum, National Expansion, and Tariffs

PopUp Bagels' Growth and Product Focus

• 🚀 PopUp Bagels is experiencing significant growth, driven by the popularity of its great product.
• 💡 The founder, Adam Goldberg, emphasizes focusing on making a staple product that people love, like bagels, which are widely consumed.
• 📈 The business is described as "riding the energy of momentum of a great product that people eat anyway."

National Expansion and Franchise Model

• 🎯 PopUp Bagels has 12 locations and is undergoing a massive expansion into California and Florida, with plans for 35 stores in California and 30 in South Florida.
• 🌍 A full national plan is underway, with expectations to cover the entire East Coast by mid-next year.
• 🤝 The franchise model involves significant involvement in leases and store operations, with franchise partners familiar with their local markets.
• 💰 Franchise inquiries have been high, with 2,000-3,000 incoming requests since franchising began six months ago, and a waitlist in all markets.

Impact of Tariffs and Economic Uncertainty

• ⚠️ While not terribly affected, tariffs create a tertiary reaction by potentially overwhelming US suppliers as businesses seek alternatives to Chinese products.
• 💼 Goldberg notes that businesses buy from various places, and a scare about products from China can cause a rush to US suppliers, straining relationships.

Career Change and Business Philosophy

• 🔄 Adam Goldberg transitioned from a career in flood mitigation to founding PopUp Bagels during the pandemic, starting by testing recipes at home.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The business currently supports 180 families through its network, highlighting the importance of continued growth and avoiding excessive taxation.

Favorite Bagel Combinations

• 🥯 Goldberg's personal favorite is an everything bagel with Sabatino truffle butter.
• 🥯 The interviewer prefers an everything bagel with plain cream cheese.