PopUp Bagels is rolling into Ballston, joining an unusually crowded field of friendly bagel rivals in the neighborhood that had previously gone years without any such businesses.
The national bagel franchise, known for its unique “rip and dip” approach, confirmed it is planning a new shop at 4300 Wilson Blvd, where Which Wich closed. It’s a carb-heavy coincidence, as the storefront — now decked out in PopUp Bagels’ branded signs — is located within a mile of two other incoming bagel shops: Call Your Mother (4000 Wilson Blvd) and Bagel Uprising (901 N. Glebe Road).
Despite the competition, the business said its bagel brethren make Ballston a more well-rounded place. The neighborhood has not had a dedicated bagel shop since Bruegger’s Bagels closed in 2023.
“We welcome the energy that other bagel shops bring to Ballston, as it’s a sign of a vibrant food scene,” Brian Harrington, PopUp Bagels’ regional partner, said. “We’re ultimately a different type of bagel experience. Our bagels come hot out of the oven, and are meant to be Gripped, Ripped, and Dipped. We’re excited to bring that uniqueness to the community.”
PopUp Bagels had announced plans to open in Arlington earlier this month, but the location was previously unknown.
The franchise serves up an “intentionally simple” menu of whole bagels, accompanied by tubs of schmear for dipping — a concept that’s helped earn the brand hundreds of thousands of social media views. Bagels are only available by the bag, starting at $15 for three bagels and a tub of cream cheese or butter, which also come in weekly, rotating flavors.
In Ballston, Harrington said customers can also expect “some localized touches paying homage to the neighborhood.”
PopUp Bagels hopes to open the new shop by late summer or early fall. The franchise’s arrival in Arlington comes after the Connecticut-based shop celebrated a crowded grand opening in Georgetown earlier this month.
In total, PopUp Bagels is planning up to 20 new locations across the D.C. area over the next few years.
“What drew us to Ballston is the neighborhood’s energy,” Harrington said. “It’s fast-growing with a strong mix of residents, daytime workers, and food lovers who appreciate simple food done really well. It felt like a natural fit for PopUp Bagel’s first location in Virginia.”
While PopUp Bagels is underway, Alexandria-based Bagel Uprising is expected to be the first of the forthcoming bagel shops to open in Ballston. The shop is targeting a late May opening, owner Chad Breckinridge told ARLnow.
Breckinridge said PopUp Bagels’ arrival “is great news for Ballston.”
“They’ve gone from zero bagel shops to real choice almost overnight, and that’s a win for bagel lovers,” he said. “We’re focused on being a true neighborhood small business, veteran-owned and owner-operated, making small-batch bagels from scratch every day at prices that fit into your daily routine.”
The friendly sentiment is shared by Call Your Mother co-founder Andrew Dana.
“We are strong believers in that all bagels rise with the tide,” Dana said. “There are more than enough bagel lovers to support all the businesses.”
Elsewhere in Arlington, plans for Buffalo & Bergen, a New York-style bagel shop and deli, remain delayed in Clarendon.
