PopUp Bagels Opens at 210 Middle Street in Old Port Square

East Brown Cow joined PopUp Bagels in celebration of its highly anticipated Grand Opening today in Old Port Square. It’s the first Maine store for the critically acclaimed, Connecticut-based chain, which has 18 locations and, according to the Portland Press Herald, expects to open 12 additional New England stores in the coming year.

A crowd of visitors, media, and local food influencers converged at the curvilinear building at 210 Middle Street as a DJ played this morning. Guests were encouraged to “grip, rip and dip” freshly baked bagels into a variety of epic schmears made from cream cheeses and butter. Stonewall Kitchen was onsite with a “Jam Bar,” offering Maine-blended jellies and free samples. Their limited-time collaboration flavor, “Wild Maine Blueberry Schmear,” was also available for purchase.

PopUp Bagels has become a social media sensation over its five-year history. From its humble beginnings as a backyard pickup window built to share newly created bagel recipes with friends, it has won over food critics and received a slew of awards, such as the Brooklyn Bagelfest "Best Bagel" award two years in a row.

“We’re thrilled to see PopUp Bagels throw open their doors here in Old Port Square,” said Tim Soley, President and CEO of East Brown Cow. “This is the perfect brand to activate this central location with their infectious community spirit. We can’t wait to see them utilize the al fresco seating this summer.”

PopUp Bagels signed a 10-year lease for the 1,350-square-foot space at 210 Middle Street earlier this fall. The deal was brokered by Luke Malone of Malone Commercial Brokers and Peter Gwilym of Porta & Company. The structure features an open-concept interior and transparent, floor-to-ceiling windows. It was designed to match the pedestrian scale with a large outdoor seating area where friends, families, and colleagues can enjoy bagels together in the sun.

“It’s a delight to introduce Mainers to our award-winning bagels,” said Jamie Lissette, New England Franchisee for PopUp Bagels. “This is a fantastic location for us and we’re excited to meet bagel lovers from all over the state, as well as serve downtown workers and countless tourists visiting from around the world.”

The arrival of PopUp Bagels in Old Port Square adds yet more activity to an area undergoing a significant resurgence in public activity in recent months. In November, a new public art project organized by TEMPOart and Old Port Square was unveiled on Exchange and Union Streets. The first-ever Old Port Holiday Market is taking place now just steps away inside newly renovated space at 200 Middle Street, featuring work by over 30 artists and craftspeople who live, work or play in the Rosemont neighborhood of Portland. The arrival of PopUp Bagels continues Old Port Square’s reimagining of its four-acre block into a distinctive urban destination.

PopUp Bagels is open Monday to Sunday from 7am to 3pm. For more information, visit www.popupbagels.com and follow @popupbagels.