PopUp Bagels Names Matthew Pisano Chief Financial Officer
The Connecticut-based chain promotes the executive as it pursues an aggressive growth strategy through 2027.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Corporate Finance
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PopUp Bagels has promoted Matthew Pisano to chief financial officer to oversee financial strategy and reporting. The move comes as the company continues to expand its national footprint across the United States.
Why it matters
The appointment supports the company's objective to double its retail presence. By shoring up its executive leadership, the brand aims to streamline operations during a period of rapid scaling.
PopUp Bagels currently operates more than 50 locations across 15 states. The company has set a target of 100 total open locations by the end of 2027.
The players
Matthew Pisano
He is the newly appointed chief financial officer of PopUp Bagels who previously spent eight years at CohnReznick and three years at Pink Taco.
PopUp Bagels
Headquartered in Connecticut, this company operates a network of bagel shops currently expanding across 15 states.
Mike Smith
He was appointed as the chief operating officer of the company in July 2026.
Tory Bartlett
He has been serving as the chief executive officer of PopUp Bagels since 2024.
The details
As chief financial officer, Pisano is responsible for financial planning, analysis, accounting, and overall fiscal reporting for the Connecticut-based company. He previously served as the executive vice president of finance and accounting for the firm starting in March 2025.
Timeline
March 2025: Matthew Pisano began serving as executive vice president of finance and accounting.
2024: Tory Bartlett began serving as CEO.
July 2026: Mike Smith was named chief operating officer.
October 26, 2026: Matthew Pisano was named chief financial officer.
End of 2027: The company plans to reach its target of 100 open locations.
Market Landscape
This leadership shift reflects the broader retail food industry trend of aggressive geographic expansion following the COVID-19 pandemic. The company is positioning itself to capture more market share in the fast-casual space by professionalizing its internal financial oversight.
The change in leadership is unlikely to have an immediate impact on daily retail pricing or customer loyalty programs for local patrons. Readers can expect the current rate of store openings to continue as the company works toward its 2027 growth target.
The takeaway
Effective financial management is a critical component for any brand attempting to double its physical footprint within a three-year window. Investors and consumers should monitor the company's progress toward its 100-store goal as a bellwether for its long-term operational success.
What happens next
The company expects to reach its goal of 100 open locations by the end of 2027.
Further reading
For more information on the regional business climate, visit the Connecticut Corporate Finance section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Chain Store Age.
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