Cupbop
Food & Beverage · Asian
Description
What is Cupbop?
The brand's signature offering features customizable bowls layered with authentic Korean ingredients - from perfectly seasoned rice and japchae noodles to fresh vegetables and premium proteins. What truly sets Cupbop apart is its innovative spice level system, ranging from 'Baby Spice' to level 10, allowing customers to personalize their heat preference while enjoying the complex flavors of Korean BBQ.
Menu highlights include the popular Rock Bop, Ugly Bop (featuring their acclaimed Korean fried chicken), and various protein options including BBQ beef, pork, and chicken. Their famous mandoo (Korean dumplings) has become a must-try side dish that keeps customers coming back.
Cupbop's success stems from its commitment to fresh ingredients, consistent quality, and exceptional customer service. The brand has cultivated a vibrant, energetic atmosphere where staff members are known for their friendly, engaging personalities and willingness to guide newcomers through the menu options.
For entrepreneurs, Cupbop offers a compelling opportunity in the growing Asian fast-casual sector. The concept combines operational simplicity with strong customer appeal, backed by a proven business model that has demonstrated success across multiple markets. With its unique positioning, strong brand identity, and dedicated customer base, Cupbop continues to stand out in the competitive food service industry.
- Korean BBQ in convenient cup format
- Above-average revenue performance vs peers
- Decade-plus operational track record established
- Health-conscious fast-casual dining positioning
- Unique authentic Korean flavor profiles
- Lower investment than sub-sector average
Location Analysis
Where Cupbop wins
The franchise shows particular strength in university-adjacent locations, as evidenced by its Student Center operation, while also performing well in urban centers and business districts. The brand has established a growing presence in markets like Texas and Delaware, indicating successful expansion beyond its Mountain West origins. The brand's ability to maintain consistent growth since 2013 while achieving high customer ratings suggests a robust operational model that translates well across diverse markets.
Ideal locations for new franchisees should prioritize areas with high foot traffic, particularly near universities and urban centers with younger, diverse populations. While Utah represents the most saturated market, significant growth opportunities exist in both established markets like Arizona and emerging territories. The franchise's successful adaptation across different regions, from mountain states to coastal areas, demonstrates strong market flexibility and potential for continued expansion in both existing and new markets.
Loading map...
Is your territory available?
Let's find out.
We'll take you through a few quick questions, then Cupbop confirms availability directly.
Financial Analysis
The numbers behind Cupbop
The franchise's gross revenue of $815,118 substantially exceeds the sub-sector average of $377,891, indicating strong unit-level performance within the Asian restaurant category. Established in 2013 with 44 units, Cupbop demonstrates measured growth and operational stability over its decade-plus history. The system's moderate unit count suggests selective expansion focused on market validation rather than rapid scaling.
The fast-casual Korean concept addresses growing demand for authentic, healthy, and convenient dining options. However, the relatively small system size may limit brand recognition compared to larger franchise networks. Prospective investors should consider the specialized nature of Korean cuisine and local market acceptance when evaluating territory selection.
Ideal candidates should possess restaurant industry experience and sufficient liquid capital to support initial investment and working capital requirements. The concept's unique positioning in Korean BBQ bowls offers differentiation in crowded fast-casual markets, though success depends on local demographic alignment and operational execution. Investors must thoroughly review the FDD and conduct comprehensive due diligence before making investment decisions.
Financing partners
Vetted partners, tailored to franchisees
Your Franzy advisor can connect you with these partners later in the process — competitive rates, specialized in franchise financing.
FranFund
CRF USA
Nonprofit SBA lender; provides financing for franchise acquisitions, startups, and expansion.
First Bank of the Lake
Pension Pros
FDD Item 7
Initial investment range
Per FDD Item 7, total initial investment ranges from $283,500 to $634,200. The midpoint $458,850 is what most franchisees report at signing — financing typically reduces cash-at-close by 80–90%. Knowing the investment range helps you plan confidently and ensure you're fully prepared to make the leap.
FDD Item 19
Average gross sales
According to Item 19 of the Franchise Disclosure Document, Cupbop has an average gross revenue of $815K. (Note: This information is based on the latest FDD in our records. Please review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and confirm this information directly with the brand. We make no claims of accuracy for the information presented.)
Growth over time
Franchise footprint
2023 Franchise Disclosure
FDD documents
Below are items 2, 3, 4, 7, 11 and 19 for Cupbop's 2023 FDD. The complete FDD is delivered to you directly by the franchisor, per the FTC Franchise Rule.
Connect to download Items 2, 3, 4, and 11 — direct from the franchisor.
Buyer FAQs
Frequently asked questions
The initial investment for a Cupbop franchise typically ranges between $283,500.00 and $634,200.00. This includes the franchise fee, equipment, real estate, and other startup costs. To get a detailed breakdown and better understand the financial requirements, we recommend scheduling a call with the Franzy team. We'll walk you through the specifics and answer any questions you might have. For more detailed information, refer to the financial sections of the FDD.
Disclaimer. The information provided on this page is based on the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) that is publicly available and that we have on record, which was issued in 2023. This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, financial, or business advice. We make no guarantees or claims regarding the completeness or accuracy. For the most current and detailed information, we recommend consulting the franchisor directly for the most recent FDD and regarding any questions that you may have about the information provided.
Franchises for you
Brands worth comparing
Other brands in the same vertical and investment band — recommendations based on what you've explored.
