Korean-inspired fare, Chipotle-style leads to doubled-digit sales growth

Fast-casual restaurant concept Bibibop opened in 2013, and has since grown to four locations in Columbus, Ohio, according to The Dispatch, a local news source. The company's same-store sales growth reached double-digits, leading to plans for nearly 20 stores slated to open in the next two years.

"I had a sense it would do well," creator of Bibibop and founder of Charley's Philly Steaks Charley Shin said in the article. "I didn’t know just how well it would do."

With Korean-inspired fare, the chain leverages hot food trends and Chipotle-style service with its assembly line featuring spicy, healthy dishes and products like purple rice and fermented cabbage. Customers can select their choice of rice, protein, vegetables and other toppings to go with sides like kimchi.

Shin was inspired by the recipes of his mother and grandmother in developing the concept. "A lot of our heart and culture has gone into this restaurant," he said in the article.

The company plans to expand into Cincinnati in 2015 and Cleveland and locations outside Ohio in 2016.