Korean Chain Bibibop Opens DC Locations

WASHINGTON, DC — The fast-casual eatery Bibibop Asian Grill is opening various locations around DC and Maryland this week, according to a news release.

The Chipotle-owned Asian restaurant chain ShopHouse closed all their locations March 17, and will be replaced by a restaurant with a similar dining concept called Bibibop Asian Grill.

The chain focuses on promoting it's signature "WELL B-ING" through healthy food that offers a fresh spin on the traditional Korean dish bibimbap, meaning mixed rice. Each customer can build his or her own Bibibop from a unique mix of rice, fresh vegetables, proteins and complementing Asian-inspired sauces.

Bibibop Asian Grill acquired all the ShopHouse leases after Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. decided to shutter the 15 ShopHouses in Maryland and DC by March 17. According to Nation's Restaurant News, Chipotle said in an annual report that ShopHouse was not able to generate enough sales to justify future investment.

The Ohio-based Bibibop is working to open seven new locations throughout Maryland and DC before summer. According to a news release, these locations are:

• Pike & Rose in North Bethesda at 11584 Old Georgetown Rd., Monday
• Bethesda Row at 4820 Bethesda Ave., Wednesday
• Georgetown at 2805 M Street NW., Wednesday
• Dupont Circle at 1516 Connecticut Avenue NW., Thursday
• Chinatown, Silver Spring and Columbia Mall locations this summer

Photo: BIBIBOP