During a televised airing on May 2022, after an intense bidding war on “Shark Tank,” Jung Song and Dok Kwon settled with Mark Cuban’s enticing offer. The Utah-based Korean barbecue company, Cupbop, has been around much longer than that, though, starting out as a food truck in 2013.
Now, after opening multiple spots in six U.S. states, the “crazy food truck guys” who serve fast-service bibimbap are opening their very first Tucson location.
Geographically, Cupbop is moving into the 1,454-square-foot space that formerly housed a Starbucks at 4811 E. Grant Rd. #113. There’s still no official opening date but the renovations are already underway.
As mentioned earlier, Song and Kwon are often referred to as the “crazy food truck guys” mainly because of their evolving menu and sense of humor. For instance, their goal is to “overtake Panda Express just like a tiger would overtake a panda,” and one of their earliest company slogans was “Eat Cupbop, poop gold.”
You get the picture.
So, as of late, the fast-food joint has been making a name for itself after expanding out of its food truck and branching into brick-and-mortar locations. Food & Wine magazine recently named Cupbop Utah’s top quick-service restaurant in its “Best Fast Food in Every State” list (Eegee’s also made the list for Arizona).
Here’s how the menu works:
The Tucson menu has yet to be released but if it’s anything like the other locations it’ll have at least 10 different bowls to choose from.
Served with rice, cabbage mix, and noodles, you have the option to pick your protein and then a spice level. There’s also an option that allows you to choose two proteins or veggies. It’s pretty simple after that — “mix the bowl and enjoy the simple and delicious Cupbop.”
This includes options like the Ugly Pop Bop, which is a Korean-style fried chicken, and then the Piggy Bop looks like a winner with its Korean-style barbecue pork. They also have a few vegetarian options like the Veggie Bop (Korean-style veggies), the Noodle Bop (Korean-style sweet potato noodles), and the Doochi Bop (fried tofu). If you’re seeking something gluten-free, they’ve got GF noodles on deck.
When it comes to side dishes, you’ve got Mandoo (deep-fried potstickers), Kimchi (spicy cabbage), and a KKO KKO Stick (fried chicken skewer).
At the moment, other Arizona locations include two spots in Phoenix, one in Mesa, and another at the Westgate center in Glendale.
Keep an eye out for an exact opening date as the interior construction continues.
Cupbop is located at 4811 E. Grant Rd. #113. For more information and to keep up with the latest, visit cupbop.com or follow Cupbop on Instagram.
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Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
