Are you eyeing the booming fast-casual Asian food market? Then chances are you’ve come across the Bibibop franchise. This brand has been making serious waves with its fresh Korean-inspired bowls, affordable meals, and growing loyal customer base. If you’re thinking about diving into the franchise world, a Bibibop franchise might just be your golden opportunity.

Let’s explore everything — from Bibibop franchise investment details, ROI, royalty fees, location strategy, and whether it’s really worth it.

What Is the Bibibop Franchise?

The Bibibop franchise is a fast-casual restaurant chain focused on Korean-inspired healthy food bowls. Think Chipotle-style assembly line, but with bases like rice, noodles, or salad — topped with marinated proteins, fresh veggies, and bold sauces.

Bibibop Asian Grill was founded in 2013 in Columbus, Ohio. Since then, the brand has expanded rapidly across the U.S., with locations in California, Illinois, Texas, and beyond. It’s become a go-to for health-conscious millennials and foodies alike.

And here’s the kicker — Bibibop is owned by Gosh Enterprises, the same parent company behind Charleys Philly Steaks. That means they know how to run franchises successfully.

Bibibop Franchise Investment Details

So, how much does it cost to open a Bibibop franchise?

Although Bibibop isn’t actively franchising to the public yet (most of their stores are company-owned), let’s break down a realistic investment estimate based on industry benchmarks and similar models.

Expense	Estimated Cost (USD)
Franchise Fee	$30,000 – $40,000
Total Initial Investment	$250,000 – $500,000+
Restaurant Build-Out	$150,000 – $300,000
Equipment & Kitchen Setup	$60,000 – $100,000
Signage & Branding	$10,000 – $20,000
Opening Inventory	$5,000 – $8,000
Working Capital	$25,000 – $50,000

So if you’re preparing to launch a Bibibop franchise, make sure you’re ready with at least $250K to $500K to cover all startup costs comfortably.

ROI – What’s the Profit Potential?

Let’s talk about money—is a Bibibop franchise profitable?

Bibibop’s model focuses on healthy, quick-service food — which is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the food industry. Low food waste, fewer staffing requirements, and fast turnover make it an attractive model.

Here’s what your ROI might look like:

• Average Annual Revenue: $700,000 – $1.2 Million (estimates based on similar concepts)
• Gross Profit Margins: 60–65%
• Net Profit Margin: 15–20%
• Break-even Period: 18 to 30 months

With smart marketing, operational efficiency, and a good location, your Bibibop franchise could become a solid earner within 2 years.

Bibibop Franchise Royalty Fees & Ongoing Costs

Every franchise comes with royalties, and the Bibibop franchise would be no exception if and when it opens up for franchising.

Here’s a breakdown of expected fees:

Fee Type	Estimated Fee
Royalty Fee	5–6% of gross sales
Marketing/Brand Fund	1–2% of gross sales
Renewal Fee (10-year term)	~$10,000

This is standard in the industry. If you’re making $1M in revenue, about $50K–$60K would go towards royalties — which still leaves you with solid profits if managed well.

Ideal Locations for a Bibibop Franchise

A Bibibop franchise thrives in areas where people want fast, healthy, and flavorful food.

Here are ideal spots:

• College towns with health-conscious students
• Urban centers with high foot traffic
• Shopping malls & food courts
• Office parks or corporate campuses
• High-income residential neighborhoods

If you’re planning to launch your Bibibop franchise, make sure your target location matches the brand’s core demographic: young professionals, students, health-focused eaters, and cultural food lovers.

Training & Franchise Support

If Bibibop opens up franchising, you can expect solid support. Given their parent company’s track record (Charleys), here’s what franchisees would likely receive:

• Full onboarding and training on operations
• Help with site selection and lease negotiation
• Guidance on local marketing
• Assistance with hiring and training staff
• Access to central supply chain systems
• Ongoing support from the operations team

So even if you’re a first-time restaurant owner, the Bibibop franchise would likely guide you every step of the way.

Why Consider a Bibibop Franchise?

You might wonder — why go for a Bibibop franchise when you’ve got other options like Sweetgreen, Freshii, or Cava?

Here’s what makes Bibibop unique:

• 🥗 Healthy Fast Food with Flavor – You get nutrition without sacrificing taste.
• ⏱️ Efficient Setup – The bowl concept means quick prep & minimal kitchen waste.
• 🌍 Cultural Relevance – Korean cuisine is globally trending.
• 💼 Backed by a Strong Parent Brand – Charleys knows how to run profitable franchise systems.
• 📉 Lower Cost Than Bigger Players – Startup costs are still within reach.

For anyone who’s passionate about health, food, and business — a Bibibop franchise could be a dream.

Marketing Tips for a Bibibop Franchise

To stand out, you’ll need to market right.

Some casual (but effective) strategies:

• Create Instagram Reels of colorful bowls being built
• Offer free tasting days
• Run fitness studio or yoga collabs
• Add loyalty apps or punch cards
• Connect with local influencers
• Highlight “gluten-free” or “plant-based” options in your content

In the world of fast-casual, visibility + taste = loyal customers.

Final Thoughts on Bibibop Franchise

The Bibibop franchise may not be franchising widely yet, but it’s definitely a concept to watch (or wait for). If and when they open franchise opportunities, getting in early could be a smart move.

With growing consumer demand for healthy Asian food, strong branding, and proven operations from the parent company, the Bibibop franchise is built for modern business success.

So if you’re an entrepreneur looking to get into food and hospitality, keep Bibibop on your radar. It’s fresh, scalable, and deliciously in-demand.

FAQs – Bibibop Franchise