Korean-inspired, build-your-own-bowl restaurant chain opens in Waldo, coming to JoCo

Bibibop Asian Grill, a fast-casual, Korean-inspired restaurant, is now open in Waldo, its first location in Missouri. And it will soon open two locations in Overland Park, its first for Kansas.

The new location is at 505 W. 75th St., in the former Pizzeria Locale space next to Chipotle. Customers place their orders much like they would at Chipotle - ingredients behind the counter, employees building the bowls per order.

The base can be salad, purple rice, white rice and/or japchae (sweet potato noodles), then a protein (chicken, spicy chicken, organic tofu or steak), hot toppings (bean sprouts, black beans and potatoes), cold toppings (lettuce, red cabbage, carrots, corn, daikon, kale, cucumbers, kimchi, eggs and cheese) and topped off with sauce (six to select from).

It has gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options. Items are prepared on-site daily. For beverages, Bibibop offers such selections as lemonade, black currant black tea, and Blue Sky sodas.

Hours will be 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.

The chain also is opening in two other former Pizzeria Locale locations in Overland Park: In a multi-tenant building on the outskirts of Oak Park Mall, 11875 W. 95th St., in November, and in Corbin Park, 6455 W. 135th St., in December.

Charley Shin, now CEO, opened the first Bibibop in Columbus, Ohio, in 2013. There are currently 35 locations in five states and Washington, D.C.