Served Fresh

BIBIBOP Asian Grill Approaching One-Year Anniversary in Carmel

Writer / Matt Keating

Photographer / Robby Berry

Justin Lawson, general manager of BIBIBOP Asian Grill, says his Carmel location’s outdoor dining area has become a very popular spot for both lunch and dinner customers.

“Our outdoor dining has potted flowers and umbrellas in a little bump-out in front of the restaurant,” Lawson says. “It seats about 15 people at eight tables that can be moved around to accommodate larger groups.”

Lawson adds that the outdoor dining area has drawn many people who are eager to get out of the house and enjoy some time outside.

“During lunch and dinner, the outdoor dining is usually full, weather permitting,” Lawson says. “During lunch it is usually packed outside, and we have some stationary warmers for when the weather gets cooler.”

Several guests have commented on how much they enjoy the outdoor dining spot.

“The ones who eat outside enjoy the fact that we have a patio area, with the fresh flowers and shaded spaces under the umbrellas, so they can enjoy a nice breeze and sunshine with fresh air,” Lawson says.

Lawson says the eatery is approaching its one-year anniversary, and he is very happy with how everything has gone at the restaurant since it opened.

“We are doing incredibly well,” Lawson says. “We have great customer service and great, healthy, 100% gluten-free food. It has really made an impact here in Carmel.”

Lawson notes that Carmel was chosen because it’s very diverse, and is also a central location in the northern Indianapolis metro area.

“Our location has both outstanding customer service and amazing food,” Lawson says.

BIBIBOP has also been embraced by the public for its community involvement.

“We have had a great response from the community through fundraisers,” Lawson says. “We have had 10 total fundraisers this year so far. With Carmel High School, three west Carmel elementary schools and a Carmel Dance Marathon for Riley Hospital, we were very busy.”

Lawson says BIBIBOP’s reputation for excellence has also helped the restaurant.

“BIBIBOP is known for serving food as medicine,” he says. “It helps that we are 100% gluten free, and we have keto, vegan, vegetarian and other dietary needs.”

The gluten-free dishes can help with weight loss, improve gastrointestinal health and increase energy levels. The restaurant has a mix of healthy food prepared with fresh ingredients, all of which is served fast.

Lawson notes that BIBIBOP is also affordable and won’t have people leaving hungry.

“We have healthy, great-tasting food that will fill you up every time,” Lawson says.

The eatery’s Supergreen Salad is popular, and it comes with cabbage, chopped kale, a mixture of fresh-squeezed lemon juice, and extra-virgin olive oil.

Isabel Jarquin, assistant general manager, says customers have a few easy-to-make favorites.

“Some of the customers’ favorite dishes at BIBIBOP are simple,” Jarquin says. “One customer likes the vegetarian tofu bowl. Others prefer mix-and-matching meats and their vegetables.”

Jarquin has her own personal favorite.

“My preference is the Steak Bowl with Yum-Yum sauce and Gochujang sauce, mixed together,” she says.

Jarquin believes the secret to BIBIBOP Asian Grill’s success is simple.

“I think BIBIBOP has been so successful because lots of families come in with their family to have a good time, and enjoy a good meal,” she says.

“BIBIBOP is also unique because it offers a fast-casual approach to traditional Korean bibimbap – a Korean dish consisting of rice topped with sautéed vegetables, chili paste, and beef or other meat, sometimes with the addition of a raw or fried egg – with a focus on freshness in our ingredients, an eye on well-being, and a fast and friendly experience,” adds Tom Stemberski, who oversees both the Carmel and Fishers BIBIBOP locations.

Stemberski notes that many customers enjoy making their own bowls of food at the restaurant, but he and his staff want to help people who don’t want to dine in.

“Although part of the fun of BIBIBOP is coming in to create your own bowl, we also recognize that we needed to rethink our options of ordering for customers who may not want to come into our stores,” he says. “Aside from dine-in options, we offer online ordering, curbside pickup and delivery options.”

Visit BIBIBOP Asian Grill at 365 West 116th Street, Suite 140 in Carmel. For more info, call 317-680-9750 or check out their website at bibibop.com.