2013
57
$300,000
$40,000
$650,000
No
Looking for a franchise with bold flavours, street-food energy, and strong growth potential in the fast-casual dining segment? Cupbop USA offers just that — a unique Korean barbecue concept served in a cup (“BBQ in a cup”) that has already won over thousands of customers in several states, and is now expanding aggressively. Combining accessible pricing, scalable operations, strong branding, and cultural relevance, Cupbop presents a compelling opportunity for entrepreneurs. With robust support systems, a proven track record, and attractive financial potential, this franchise is positioned to lead in the Asian quick-service and fast-casual space across the U.S.
Differentiated Concept: Korean BBQ bowls served in cups, with customizable sauces, proteins, and sides — fast, fun, and shareable. This appeals both to lovers of Korean cuisine and to those looking for flavourful quick-service meals.
Growing Market Trend: Increased demand in the U.S. for Asian flavours, Korean food, street-food, and fusion QSR (quick service restaurant) ensures Cupbop is well-placed.
Proven Brand & Buzz: Started as a food truck, expanded into brick-and-mortar stores, appeared on Shark Tank, got investment from Mark Cuban, and built a strong social/media presence.
Scalable Format: Relatively simple kitchen operations; multiple unit models (food trucks, small storefronts, etc.) possible; streamlined menu reduces complexity.
Support & Growth Momentum: The company is actively seeking multi‐unit franchisees, has raised capital, and is ramping up its franchise development.
Established Year & Origins: Cupbop was founded in 2013 by Junghun Song in Salt Lake City, Utah. It began as a food truck, offering a compact menu of Korean style BBQ bowls.
Founders & Key Management: Junghun Song is the primary founder; Dok Kwon, a prior customer turned partner, joined later and became Chief Operating Officer.
Brand Journey & Growth: Starting from a food truck, Cupbop expanded with brick-and-mortar stores, moved into concessions (arenas etc.), and increased brand awareness via social media and community events. Appearance on Shark Tank in 2022 was a milestone.
Franchise Units & Market Presence: As of early to mid-2024, Cupbop has approximately 57 locations open in the U.S. (distributed among several states including Utah, Idaho, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Texas, Oklahoma) and over 170-200 locations internationally, especially Indonesia.
Industry Category: Quick Service / Fast Casual / Urban Street Food / Asian Fusion. Cupbop sits at the intersection of Korean cuisine, QSR speed, take-out and delivery models, and experiential branding.
Cupbop offers a full suite of support to franchisees, from pre-launch through ongoing operations and growth:
Pre-Launch Support
• Site selection assistance: helping you choose high-traffic, strategic locations.
• Build-out and design guidance: standardized design/operational layouts to maintain brand consistency.
• Permits, local regulations, and supplier sourcing assistance.
Training
• Initial training program covering operations, food preparation, customer service, safety, hygiene standards.
• Staff training materials, SOPs (standard operating procedures).
• Management training: hiring, scheduling, quality control, cost management.
Marketing & Branding
• Brand guidelines, graphics, signage, menu design etc.
• National marketing strategies, social media playbooks; support for local marketing (grand opening, promotions).
• Access to digital tools and promotional campaigns.
Operational & Ongoing Support
• Operational headquarters support: supply chain, quality control, procurement of key ingredients.
• Regular performance reviews, feedback, and continuous improvement processes.
• Technology and POS (point of sale) systems; reporting, metrics, and analytics.
• Possibly ongoing research & development for menu innovations, seasonal items.
Academic / Franchisee Education
• Workshops, webinars, peer network among franchisees.
• Sharing of best practices.
• Field visits and “mystery shopper” or quality audits to maintain standards.
To maximize success, Cupbop seeks franchisees with certain qualities and capabilities. An ideal candidate will typically have:
Entrepreneurial and Multi-Unit Mindset: Given the brand’s focus on multi-unit franchisees, somebody who can handle more than one location or scale operations over time.
Experience in Food Service / Retail / Hospitality: Having either direct restaurant operations experience, or strong experience in managing staff, operations, cost control, and customer service.
Financial Capacity: Ability to invest the required amount, manage working capital during ramp-up (before break-even), cover infrastructure, rent, staff payroll etc.
Passion for Korean Cuisine & Brand Culture: Someone who loves flavour, culture, community, and can embody and promote the Cupbop brand values — food quality, fun, fast service, engaging customer experience.
Location Preference: Urban, suburban areas with good foot traffic; near colleges, business districts, food halls, transit hubs. Regions where Korean / Asian flavours are appreciated or emerging. Cupbop has already presence in Western & Southwestern U.S.; expansion in Midwest, South, and other under-penetrated markets may offer good opportunity.
Strong Leadership & People Management: Hiring, training, maintaining staff, maintaining consistent quality across shifts; ability to handle operations, costs, local marketing etc.
Commitment to Brand Standards: Maintaining food safety, consistency, guest experience, brand identity.
Here are the known and estimated financial metrics for a Cupbop franchise in the USA.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | Between US$40,000-42,000 for the license to operate a Cupbop restaurant. |
| Initial Investment Required | Approximately US$296,400 to US$664,400 depending on size, location, and format. |
| Total Estimated Investment Range | ~$300,000 - $650,000 inclusive of build-out, equipment, initial inventory, working capital etc. |
| Royalty Fees | The specific royalty percentage is not always publicly published in full detail, but as with many QSR franchises there will be ongoing fees based on gross sales. (Some sources estimate ~ 6% royalty in similar models — not officially confirmed in all disclosure materials.) Note: Verify in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). |
| Marketing / Advertising Fees | Fee for marketing is part of the investment; company provides national and local support. Some percentage of sales is allocated for marketing or dedicated local media spend. (Typically this might be in range 2-5% or similar though the exact figure should be confirmed.) |
| Working Capital | Must cover staffing, inventory, utilities, rent etc. especially during ramp up before steady-state revenues are reached. Part of the initial investment estimate. |
| Expected Return on Investment (ROI) & Break-Even Time | While exact ROI depends on location, lease costs, traffic etc., franchise disclosures and media reports suggest growth is healthy. Many franchisees aim to reach break-even within 1-2 years (often 18-24 months) if operations are well managed and location performs well. Revenue streams via dine-in / take-out / delivery / catering / concessions. |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Sales of main menu items (rice bowls, protein add-ons, sides like mandoo/potstickers, vegetables), beverages, promotions, possibly branded merchandise; catering / events; concession stands (arenas etc.) in certain locations; delivery & online orders. |
