WASHINGTON — Columbus, Ohio-based Bibibop Asian Grill has assumed the leases for ShopHouse Southeast Asian Grill’s 15 locations in Washington, the Chicago area and Southern California.
Bibibop, with a dozen locations in Columbus and Cincinnati and one opening soon in Cleveland, operates under a similar fast-casual model to ShopHouse, its version with Korean-inspired choices and a build-your-own way of ordering.
When Chipotle Mexican Grill announced its decision to close all ShopHouse locations March 17, it cited a deal to get out of its leases as one of the reasons for the timing, though it did not identify any third party at the time.
Bibibop says the ShopHouse locations will all be converted and opened in coming months.
Bibibop’s first location opened in Columbus in 2013. Its founder and CEO is Charley Shin, who previously launched the Charleys Philly Steaks franchise.
Bibibop is a twist on a popular Korean dish called bibimbap, or “mixed rice.” Diners start with rice, followed by a choice of grilled meats or tofu, fresh vegetables and sauces, and can have it served as a bowl, a salad or a wrap.
Chipotle gave up on the ShopHouse concept six years after opening the first location in Dupont Circle, saying it did not perform as it had hoped.
