PopUp Bagels Names Mike Smith COO

PopUp Bagels has kicked off its next chapter of growth by announcing the appointment of Mike Smith as Chief Operating Officer. With more than two decades of executive experience in the restaurant sector, Smith’s arrival marks a strategic investment in operational excellence and an unwavering commitment to the core principles that have set the brand apart - exceptional food quality, memorable guest experiences, and genuine authenticity. For restaurant operators watching the fast-casual segment, this is a timely reminder - evolving your leadership is key to scaling your reputation without losing your brand soul.

Industry Veteran Brings Depth and Vision

Mike Smith’s impressive career history positions him as a powerhouse in foodservice leadership. Prior to joining PopUp Bagels, he left his mark as Chief Brand Officer and Vice President of Operations at Moe’s Southwest Grill. His operational acumen was also developed through key roles as COO at Taziki’s Mediterranean Café and more than a decade overseeing restaurant operations leadership at Hooters. Smith steps into his new role at PopUp Bagels with a clear mandate - lead the teams responsible for elevating every aspect of the customer experience, fortifying operational systems, and sustaining the culture that PopUp’s fans have come to expect. By investing in talent at the executive level, PopUp Bagels signals its commitment to smarter systems and service - goals every operator aiming for long-term brand consistency should take to heart.

Quality, Authenticity, and Guest Experience Remain at the Core

PopUp Bagels isn’t just focused on expanding its shop count - instead, the brand’s leadership remains laser-focused on protecting what makes it beloved. As COO, Smith will help strengthen the people, processes, and foundations that guarantee PopUp’s signature guest experience never wavers. CEO Tory Bartlett’s vision is clear - growth must not come at the cost of the care, quality, and innovation that define PopUp Bagels. This approach is especially important for growth-minded operators; a strong leadership team serves as the safeguard for your brand’s values. In tandem with Smith’s arrival, PopUp Bagels recently named a new VP of Culinary Research & Development, underscoring a broader investment in culinary excellence and operational know-how.

Setting Foundations for Sustained Growth

Smith’s passion for PopUp Bagels’ mission speaks volumes about the culture needed for sustainable expansion. “What impressed me most about PopUp Bagels was the clarity of its mission and the passion behind the brand,” he remarked. As the company positions itself for the future, his leadership is poised to help guide operational excellence and innovative team support - two essentials for keeping a fast-growing brand on track. Operators looking for inspiration should take note - investing in talent both on the shop floor and in the C-suite is critical to not just surviving, but thriving, in today’s competitive hospitality landscape.

Could Leadership Be Your Hidden Growth Engine?

As PopUp Bagels refines its leadership model, the company reminds the industry that resilient growth requires balancing high-level strategy with everyday operational excellence. Are you actively investing in leadership - across the board - to drive loyalty, consistency, and innovation? Now is the time for bold steps that build a lasting brand.

The Takeaway for Hospitality Leaders

PopUp Bagels’ move demonstrates that sustained growth isn’t just about expansion - it's about nurturing teams, process, and product every step of the way. With industry veterans like Mike Smith on board, brands can scale for tomorrow while staying true to the qualities that define them today. Is your operation ready to evolve?

PopUp Bagels Powers Up Leadership with New COO