BIBIBOP Development, LLC, owner of BIBIBOP Asian Grill chain of fast-casual restaurants, recently announced its national expansion plans for the Korean-inspired concept with the purchase of the locations formerly operated as ShopHouse restaurants and owned by Chipotle. The expansion will more than double the current number of BIBIBOP Asian Grill restaurants and includes locations slated for Washington, D.C, Los Angeles and Chicago. The new locations are scheduled to be converted and opened in coming months.

The first BIBIBOP Asian Grill restaurant began in Columbus, Ohio, in August 2013 as the brainchild of Charley Shin, CEO of BIBIBOP Asian Grill and international restaurant concept Charleys Philly Steaks. After successfully launching the Charleys Philly Steaks franchise and opening hundreds of locations around the world, he returned to his Korean roots and was inspired to bring the bold flavors and healthy ingredients of his native South Korea to his American hometown.

Offering healthy meals that put a fresh twist on the popular Korean dish “bibimbap,” literally meaning “mixed rice,” each BIBIBOP starts with perfectly steamed rice, followed by a choice of grilled meats or tofu, a variety of fresh vegetables and Asian-inspired sauces. The new concept caught on fast with the company opening three more locations in 2014, eventually expanding to 12 total locations across the State of Ohio by 2016. The company also has plans on the horizon to open its first Cleveland location later this year.

“The BIBIBOP Asian Grill concept has performed very well with consumers, as demonstrated by our steady growth through the years, and we’re excited to bring our fresh dining experience to more guests across the country,” says Shin. “As we’ve expanded, we’ve never lost sight of our commitment to bring our signature WELL-B-ING to all of the communities in which we do business by strengthening our neighbors and enriching the lives of our team members.”