Cupbop is revving up for a great expansion into the Houston market. The grand opening for the debut Houston location at 5116 Fairmont Parkway is November 14th, but the owner of the Korean BBQ in a cup QSR brand informed What Now Houston that they’re preparing to open a second location at 12620 Farm to Market 1960 Rd W in mid-December.
The grand opening of the first Cupbop to come to Houston was recently announced on the fast-growing chain’s Instagram. What Now Houston spoke with Cupbop COO, Dok Kwon, about the eatery’s continued expansion in the area and what they hope to bring to the Houston community.
“We’re really excited about coming to Houston,” Kwon said.
“We have a very energetic and fun brand. We have a very differentiated concept, and the flavor profile is very unique to Cupbop as well. Come and give us a try!”
Cupbop founder, Junghun Song, started the brand in 2013 with Kwon as a food truck roaming the streets of Salt Lake City, Utah. Since then, Cupbop has grown to more than 60 locations in the US and 200 locations internationally. In fact, Kwon shared that the happy-go-lucky go-getters are preparing to open their third location in Dubai. The amazing part, the self-proclaimed food entertainers have done it all without outside investors.
“I think that’s a testament to the customers who absolutely love our brand,” Kwon said.
“Aside from our amazing food, it’s going to be our energy and the culture that we have that keeps people coming back.”
The energy of this brand leaps off the pages, submerges itself in the food, and can be felt and seen at its locations that are continuing to pop up around the country and the world.
Korean BBQ in a cup is unique in itself, but the brand’s ability to bring unparalleled energy to the concept is part of what’s kept the momentum behind the brand growing.
“We strive every day to bring joy to our families, employees, customers, and neighbors through awesome food and customer service,” the website reads.
Offering bowls that include your choice of two proteins and veggies, the fast-food restaurant has stayed true to the authenticity of Korean BBQ. Bowls are served with either rice, cabbage mix, or japchae noodles. Guests can add everything from BBQ chicken to sweet potato noodles. Even the sides take the menu of an addition to your entree up a notch. Cupbop offers deep-fried potstickers, Korean-style cheesy corn dogs, and kimchi as side options, among others.
While you can expect the same menu that customers have come to know and love to be served at the two new Houston locations, you can also expect a new addition.
“We actually just launched our Korean fried chicken wings as well, which is awesome. So come give that a try,” Kwon said.
Kwon also shared that there are plans in the future to bring specialized items to each state that their brand serves.
The two new Houston locations will be run by the Grafton Way Restaurant Group, led by veteran franchisee Karim Haji. Haji currently operates 20 units from varying brands in Houston.
“Haji is very sophisticated, he’s a veteran, and we’re very excited because we know he will really take care of our special brand,” Kwon said.
Try out the debut Cupbop at 5116 Fairmont Parkway at the grand opening on November 14, and stop by the second location when it opens in mid-December at 2620 Farm to Market 1960 Rd W.
On opening day, Cupbop is holding a special event where all Cupbop bowls will be just $5.99 all day long.
