Description:

Salary Range:
$175,000.00 To $210,000.00 Annually

Franchise Corporate Counsel

Location: Hybrid in Atlanta, GA

Reports to: Chief Growth Officer

Role type: Exempt

Travel: Up to 20%

About PopUp Bagels
PopUp Bagels is not just a bagel company—we're a cultural movement. Our stores are small, our vibes are loud, and our energy is contagious. From signature neon and iconic bullhorns to our “Not Famous but Known” mirror, we've reimagined not just how a bagel is created, but how it's enjoyed: Grip, Rip and Dip! With a cult-like following, massive social presence, and unparalleled collaborations with top companies, partners and Brand Ambassadors PopUp Bagels is defining a new food lifestyle brand.

We keep things simple, but we do them really, really well. And our customers agree.

The Role:
The Franchise Corporate Counsel serves as a key legal advisor to the company, providing strategic guidance and counsel on all franchise-related matters, including compliance, disclosure, agreements, and regulatory issues. This role also supports broader corporate legal functions, including employment law, governance, and risk management. The ideal candidate has extensive experience working on the franchisor's side of franchising business and a deep understanding of franchise law and business operations.

Essential Responsibilities:

Draft, review, and manage Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDD) and franchise agreements to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.
Advise internal teams and leadership on franchise compliance, operational policies, and best practices.
Manage registration and renewal filings in applicable states and ensure timely updates to all franchise documentation.
Provide legal counsel on franchise sales, terminations, renewals, and transfers.
Support franchise dispute resolution, including pre-litigation strategy, mediation, and arbitration.
Collaborate with business units on new program development, ensuring legal compliance and risk mitigation.
Provide guidance on corporate governance, contract management, and regulatory compliance.
Advise on employment law matters and policies as needed, in coordination with HR and outside counsel.
Manage relationships with external counsel to ensure efficient and cost-effective legal services.
Keep abreast of evolving franchise laws, regulations, and industry trends.

Required Education, Experience, and Competencies:

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school, required.
Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction; admission to the state bar in Georgia, required.
Minimum of 5–7 years of experience as corporate counsel on the franchisor side, with proven expertise in franchise law and compliance.
Experience managing FDDs, franchise registration filings, and franchise agreements.
Experience in employment law and/or corporate governance preferred.
Demonstrated experience advising business leaders in a corporate setting.
Deep understanding of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Franchise Rule and state franchise laws.
Strong drafting and negotiation skills with the ability to balance legal risk and business objectives.
Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Proven ability to work cross-functionally and influence without direct authority.
High level of integrity, professionalism, and sound judgment.
Travel: Occasional travel for meetings, conferences, or franchise events (up to 20%).
Location: Based Atlanta, GA with opportunity for hybrid work.

Physical Requirements:

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Ability to communicate effectively in person, via video, and over the phone.
Work environment: This position operates primarily in a professional office or hybrid work environment. The role may occasionally require extended hours or travel to support business needs or address urgent legal matters.

Why Join PopUp Bagels?

Be part of one of the fastest-growing, most buzzworthy food brands in the country.
Shape a brand that's more fashion and lifestyle than QSR.
Collaborate with a visionary founder, a passionate leadership team, and culture-defining partners.
Be part of a growing team from the ground up as the company scales nationally.

Additional Role Note:
The duties of this position may change from time to time. PopUp Bagels reserves the right to add or delete duties and responsibilities at the discretion of PopUp Bagels or its managers. This job description is intended to describe the general work level. It is not intended to be all-inclusive.

PopUp Bagels is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, age, ancestry, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related condition, unemployment status, gender identity or expression, transgender status or gender dysphoria, marital status, domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking victim status, national origin, citizenship, disability, covered veteran and/or military status, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristic, familial status as that term is described under other protected statuses or any other characteristic as protected under applicable federal, state and local law.

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