EAST LANSING — A Columbus, Ohio-based fast-casual restaurant chain known for its Korean-inspired bowls could open the company’s first Michigan location across from Michigan State University’s campus.
The new restaurant, taking shape inside a storefront at 309 E. Grand River Ave. is one of two BIBIBOP Asian Grill locations currently in the works in Michigan, said Jason Whitt, the chain’s director of marketing. The other will be in Canton, he said.
“They’re kind of racing each other to see which one is the first,” Whitt said. “We’ve been looking at Michigan for several years, looking at all sorts of different spots.”
The chain, which opened its first location in 2013 and now operates about 80 restaurants largely in Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, is expanding.
There’s a definite appeal to opening a location in East Lansing, Whitt said.
“We just love the energy that comes with campus locations and Michigan State is one that we couldn’t pass up,” he said. “We think the Spartans are really going to love our bowls and our healthy Korean-inspired food.”
Company officials hope to open the East Grand River Avenue location at the beginning of Michigan State’s fall semester.
“In August or September,” Whitt said.
Customizable Korean-inspired bowls
BIBIBOP Asian Grill offers a menu focused on customizable bowls, Whitt said. Everything on the menu is gluten free, he said.
Founder Charley Shin grew up in Seoul, South Korea, and the menu is inspired by flavors from that region, Whitt said.
Customers can build their own bowl, adding protein, a base and toppings. “One of our most popular items is our Korean barbecue beef, which is kind of our version of bulgogi, a traditional Korean protein,” he said. “We also have purple rice as a base, which is a mix of black and white rice that gives you kind of the benefits of black rice, but it’s not as overpowering in flavor.”
The restaurant also serves sweet potato noodles. “This is our version of Korean japchae, which is a noodle-based dish, which is exciting, especially for the gluten-free community, because they’re made with sweet potato starch and thus are gluten-free, just like everything else we offer,” Whitt said.
BIBIBOP Asian Grill also offers cookies, lemonades, a variety of teas and sodas.
The company is focused on opening locations in Michigan right now. In addition to locations coming to East Lansing and Canton, Whitt said the company is looking closely at the Detroit area market.
“Michigan is our new focus, it’s our new growth market this year,” he said.
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Location to employ 25 people
The East Grand River Avenue location is 2,900 square feet and will have seating for 50 people, Whitt said.
Work inside the space is already underway.
“We want to be there ready to take care of everybody right when they’re back on campus,” he said.
The location will employ about 25 people, Whitt said. Anyone interested in applying can do so online at https://bibibop.com/careers/?gh_jid=4221539009 .
Contact Reporter Rachel Greco at rgreco@lsj.com. Follow her on X @GrecoatLSJ.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Ohio-based BIBIBOP Asian Grill to open location near Michigan State
Reporting by Rachel Greco, Lansing State Journal / Lansing State Journal
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By Rachel Greco, Lansing State Journal | USA TODAY Network
