November 09, 2024
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Popular Asian restaurant chain BIBIBOP opens its doors in Oswego

By Eric Schelkopf
BIBIBOP will open at 11 a.m. Thursday at 2830 Walter Payton Memorial Highway (Route 34) following a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:30 a.m. The public is invited to the ceremony. Members of the media were given a sneak preview Tuesday night of what the restaurant has to offer.

BIBIBOP opened at 11 a.m. Aug. 15 at 2830 Walter Payton Memorial Highway (Route 34) following a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:30 a.m. Members of the media were given a sneak preview on Aug, 13 of what the restaurant has to offer. (Eric Schelkopf)

Those attending a media night on Aug. 13 received a sneak peek of what BIBIBOP Asian Grill has to offer before the restaurant opened its Oswego location to the public on Aug. 15.

The restaurant chain is known for its commitment to health and well-being. Along with using only fresh ingredients, all of its food options are gluten free.

BIBIBOP will open at 11 a.m. Thursday at 2830 Walter Payton Memorial Highway (Route 34) following a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:30 a.m. The public is invited to the ceremony. Members of the media were given a sneak preview Tuesday night of what the restaurant has to offer.

BIBIBOP opened at 11 a.m. Aug. 15 at 2830 Walter Payton Memorial Highway (Route 34) following a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:30 a.m. The public is invited to the ceremony. Members of the media were given a sneak preview Aug. 13 of what the restaurant has to offer. (Eric Schelkopf)

As BIBIBOP field marketing coordinator Rachel Gavalier told those in attendance, a BIBIBOP is a meal derived from the popular Korean dish called bibimbap, which means “mixed rice.” Charley Shin, founder of Charleys Philly Steaks – which has locations in Joliet, Bolingbrook, Aurora and Darien – founded the Columbus, Ohio-based restaurant chain in 2013.

Guests create their own bowls and vegetarian and vegan options are available. The chain has several locations in Chicago and the suburbs – including in Naperville, Oak Brook, Schaumburg and Willowbrook – and more are planned.

BIBIBOP will open at 11 a.m. Thursday at 2830 Walter Payton Memorial Highway (Route 34) following a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:30 a.m. The public is invited to the ceremony. Members of the media were given a sneak preview Tuesday night of what the restaurant has to offer.

BIBIBOP opened at 11 a.m. Aug. 25 at 2830 Walter Payton Memorial Highway (Route 34) following a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:30 a.m. The public is invited to the ceremony. Members of the media were given a sneak preview on Aug. 13 of what the restaurant has to offer. (Eric Schelkopf)

As part of the grand opening activities on Aug. 15, 50 guests were chosen at random to win free bowls for a year. The vouchers are valid only at the Oswego location.

Other prizes included free drinks, desserts and more.

Ryan Sanecki, senior manager of digital marketing for BIBIBOP, said the chain decided to open a restaurant in Oswego after falling in love with the village while planning its Naperville location.

“The entire state of Illinois, including Oswego, has us thrilled about expanding our footprint here,” he said in an email. “Our journey began with a few locations in the city, and it has allowed our brand to blossom beautifully, thanks to the local community support and enthusiasm for a 100% gluten-free and customizable restaurant for all palates.”

Saneck said BIBIBOP’s partnership with the nonprofit Gluten-Intolerance Group (gluten.org) “has been incredibly rewarding.”

“It enables us to connect with those seeking a safe, 100% gluten-free dining experience with friends and family,” he said. “As we enter our 11th year, we have exciting plans for Illinois.”

BIBIBOP will open at 11 a.m. Thursday at 2830 Walter Payton Memorial Highway (Route 34) following a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:30 a.m. The public is invited to the ceremony. Members of the media were given a sneak preview Tuesday night of what the restaurant has to offer.

BIBIBOP opened at 11 a.m. Aug. 15 at 2830 Walter Payton Memorial Highway (Route 34) following a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:30 a.m. The public is invited to the ceremony. Members of the media were given a sneak preview on Aug. 13 of what the restaurant has to offer. (Eric Schelkopf)