Cupbop, the popular fast-casual Korean BBQ chain, has officially opened its newest restaurant in Pocatello, Idaho. On July 30, despite the rainy weather, hundreds of eager locals lined up to try Cupbop’s unique Korean dishes.
The new location is at 544 E. Benton St. The grand opening was a big success, filled with special deals, enthusiastic staff, and a fun atmosphere.
Excitement in Pocatello
Kevin Santiago, the Cupbop franchisee who owns several locations in Idaho, was thrilled about the new opening. “We are excited to be in Pocatello and to serve the people of this community,” Santiago said.
“Our food is delicious and at an excellent value. Our staff is friendly and outgoing, and people who love food love Cupbop.”
To celebrate the opening, Cupbop offered all their bowls for just $5.99. This special deal drew in a large crowd. “Over a five-hour span on Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., over 260 Cupbop bowls had been delivered into the hands, and eventually the stomachs, of local residents,” reported the Idaho State Journal.
Even with the rain, the line of customers—known as “Cupboppers”—stretched out the door and into the parking lot. “The turnout has been amazing today,” Santiago said. “People have been waiting a long time for this.”
A Unique Dining Experience
Cupbop is known for more than just its fresh ingredients and tasty food. The restaurant also offers a fun and engaging dining experience.
Cupbop’s marketing director, Brianna Vannelli, explained their approach. “We try to make sure their experience is really memorable,” Vannelli said. “We like to consider ourselves food entertainers where we have fun with all of the guests.”
At Cupbop, the staff greets every first-time visitor with a loud “First timer!”. This makes them feel special.
Monica Titus, a local resident and the first customer at the Pocatello location shared her excitement. “Oh, I absolutely love Cupbop,” she said. “I go to the one in Idaho Falls all the time and have been waiting forever for this one to open up.”
credit @ Shelbie Harris/Idaho State Journal
From Food Truck to National Sensation
Cupbop started in 2013 as a simple food truck in Salt Lake City. It was founded by Junghun Song. The concept of Korean BBQ served in a cup quickly gained popularity.
This led to rapid expansion. Today, Cupbop has 46 locations across six states. Despite this growth, they’ve kept their focus on quality and community involvement.
Opening in Pocatello is another step in Cupbop’s plan to reach more people in smaller towns.
“We have done well in Idaho Falls, Rexburg, and Boise, and we want to continue that success and grow our business,” Santiago said.
The strong turnout in Pocatello shows that there’s a big appetite for Cupbop’s food and experience in new markets.
Sharing Culture Through Food
Cupbop’s appeal goes beyond just good food. It’s also about sharing Korean culture. The restaurant’s fun motto, “Eat Cupbop and poop gold,” refers to a Korean belief.
In Korea, dreaming of golden droppings brings good luck. This playful saying captures Cupbop’s lively spirit and its goal to bring a bit of Korean culture to its customers.
“We have everything from Korean BBQ beef to pork and wok-fried chicken,” Vannelli said. “We also offer vegetarian options like veggies and tofu, gluten-free options like sweet potato noodles, and vegan choices, too.”
Cupbop also strives to create a fun and interactive environment. The team engages with the community by participating in local events. They support schools and educational programs.
“Our team loves getting involved with everyone in the community,” Vannelli said. “We love making donations to schools and education — that is one of our key missions.”
A Bright Future in Pocatello
The grand opening in Pocatello is just the beginning for Cupbop in this new location. With plans to expand to more small towns, the brand is optimistic about its future growth. The successful launch in Pocatello is a strong sign that Cupbop can thrive in a variety of markets.
As the Pocatello location grows, Cupbop remains committed to serving delicious food and creating memorable experiences.
Santiago invites everyone to give Cupbop a try: “When they walk through the door and when they go to leave, we say, ‘See you tomorrow.’” This is more than just a phrase. It’s an invitation to enjoy great food and a promise of a welcoming experience.
So, if you’re in Pocatello and haven’t tried Cupbop yet, stop by and see what all the excitement is about. Who knows? You might just leave with a smile and dreams of good fortune.
Featured image credit @ Shelbie Harris/Idaho State Journal
