The Bagel That Broke the Internet: Tory Bartlett and the Rise of PopUp Bagels

The episode opens with a deep dive into Built Hospitality, an AI‑powered platform that unifies reservations, guest preferences, VIP management, and payments. By leveraging an intelligent concierge, restaurants can anticipate individual tastes, deliver timely personalized offers, and turn first‑time diners into repeat regulars. This technology addresses a growing demand for data‑driven loyalty solutions in the highly competitive hospitality sector, positioning Built as a strategic tool for operators seeking to enhance guest experiences and boost revenue.

Host Jimmy Frischling shares his remarkable journey from washing dishes at Hooters to becoming CEO of the fast‑growing Pop‑Up Bagels brand. His story illustrates how frontline hospitality roles cultivate a broad skill set—ranging from human resources and finance to crisis management—effectively serving as a boot camp for future leaders. The conversation underscores the industry’s reputation as a "team sport," where collaboration, discipline, and adaptability are forged daily, preparing individuals for executive responsibilities across any business landscape.

The discussion then shifts to Pop‑Up Bagels’ explosive expansion, driven by strategic franchise partnerships and backing from private‑equity firms like Roark Capital. By combining a nostalgic "grip, rip, dip" bagel experience with modern pop‑up concepts, the brand has scaled to multiple high‑traffic locations, generating multi‑million‑dollar revenues per store. This growth model highlights the power of leveraging franchisee capital, operational expertise, and brand storytelling to capture market share quickly. As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, the episode illustrates how innovative concepts, technology, and seasoned leadership converge to shape the next generation of dining experiences.