PopUp Bagels to open at The Bowl at Ballantyne this summer as part of NC expansion

Dig in: The bagel shop is known for its whole (unsliced) bagels, that are made to be "ripped and dipped" in their schmears.

• The menu at The Bowl will match PopUp Bagels' other locations, featuring bagel flavors like plain, salt, poppy, sesame and everything.

What to expect: Each bagel is "baked fresh and served hot, whole, and straight from the oven — no slicing, no sandwiches," according to a press release.

• The North Carolina locations will take walk-ins and pre-orders.

Between the lines: Ballantyne is undergoing a major transformation, with The Bowl at the center of it. Over the past year, this walkable town center has experienced a rapid influx of food, fitness and retail tenants, from national brands like Solidcore and Flower Child to local expansions such as Sushi Hana and Harriet's Hamburgers.

Flashback: PopUp Bagels debuted in Connecticut in 2021 from founder Adam Goldberg's backyard window. Today, it has permanent locations across New York City and Connecticut.

• The brand is working with Power Brands Hospitality Group — which owns and operates multiple restaurant brands, including brunch chain Biscuit Belly — to lead its expansion in the Southeast.
• "We can't wait to bring our Grip, Rip and Dip bagels to the North Carolina community," Goldberg says.

What's next: The company plans to open 10 locations across North Carolina. It's unclear whether more than one will open in the Charlotte area, but a Raleigh location has been confirmed as part of the expansion plans.

Go deeper: 10 must-try bagel spots in Charlotte