Latest news with #JunghunSong
Arabian Business
07-07-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Korean BBQ chain CupBop opens first UAE restaurant
Korean BBQ chain CupBop will open its first UAE location at Ibn Battuta Mall on July 3, with a celebration event scheduled for July 9. The restaurant, operating under RMAL Hospitality, will serve Korean street food from its location in Tunisia Court's food court on the ground floor. The brand plans to offer free cups to the first 100 customers during the July 9 th celebration. CupBop opens first UAE branch at Dubai's Ibn Battuta Mall CupBop launched in the United States in 2013 when founder Junghun Song started the business with four recipes and a food truck. Dok Kwon later joined the venture, and the company expanded after appearing on Shark Tank. The chain now operates 64 stores in America and 160 locations worldwide. The celebration event will feature activities for children, Spin to Win games, and appearances by the brand's mascot Hoya, described as a tiger wearing sunglasses. Visitors can win prizes including mandoos (dumplings), k-dawgs, and wings. The menu centres on signature bowls served with sauces ranging from mild (#1) to hot (#10), with the secret sauce rated at #7.5. The B-BOP features Bulgogi beef, while the KKO KKO BOP contains BBQ chicken. The ROCK BOP offers fried chicken, and the KRUNCH BOP includes chicken katsu. Vegetarian options include the VEGGIE BOP and DOOCHI BOP with tofu and Korean vegetables. Side dishes include kimchi and K-DAWG corn dogs stuffed with cheese. The restaurant will serve Korean sodas and Binggrae fish-shaped ice cream. 'Cupbop is one of the most exciting and disruptive concepts we've brought to the region. It's fast, fun, and full of flavour, and that's exactly what today's diners are craving. From the very first bite, it delivers on taste, energy, and experience, and we're thrilled to introduce this bold brand to the UAE, starting with our Ibn Battuta Mall store. With the JBR store also on the horizon, this is an exciting time for foodies seeking something different,' Elias Madbak, CEO of RMAL Hospitality said. The company plans to open a JBR location later this year. Delivery services will begin on July 13. The restaurant will operate from 10AM to 10PM daily. Event details
Web Release
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Web Release
CupBop Launches its first Ibn Battuta Mall Store Launch with Free Mandos for the First 100 Guests
Get ready, Dubai, as the fiery, fun, and fuss-free Korean flavours of CupBop are finally landing in the UAE. Firing up its first branch at Ibn Battuta Mall under RMAL Hospitality, the cult-favourite Korean BBQ in a cup is ready to bring the heat, shake up your lunch plans, and refuel hungry shoppers. To celebrate the opening, on July 9th, food lovers can expect free cups for the first lucky 100 guests, exciting activities for kids, Spin to Win games, a chance to snap a pic with CupBop's loveable mascot Hoya, crave-worthy giveaways, exciting freebies, family fun, and a whole lot of personality. CupBop has already established itself as a full-blown flavour sensation, launched in the US by Junghun Song in 2013 with four recipes, a food truck, and a dream. Soon joined by Dok Kwon, the 'crazy food truck guys' went on to win over the hearts of hungry crowds across the states and even the judges of Shark Tank. Now with 64 stores in America and 160 worldwide, their famous K-BBQ in a cup is ready to spice things up in the UAE, with the opening in Ibn Battuta Mall scheduled for July and plenty more lively locations on the horizon. Set in Ibn Battuta Mall's bustling ground floor food court, located within Tunisia Court, CupBop will serve Korean street food like you've never had it before, super tasty, refreshingly different, and served lightning fast. To celebrate the official opening, the first 100 customers on July 9th will get their hands on some of the brand's favourite creations for free. During the launch event, everyone who visits the store will also be eligible to spin and win prizes like free mandoos, which are delicious, crispy golden dumplings, the brand's famous k-dawgs, succulent wings, and much more. Guests can also expect fun activities for little ones and a special appearance by Hoya the mascot, a sunglasses-wearing tiger. As for the menu, CupBop keeps things simple yet seriously delicious, served with your choice of signature sauces, ranging from sweet and mild (#1) to fiery hot (#10), with the fan-favourite secret sauce landing at a spicy #7.5. The signature bowls are the real stars of the show, featuring tender Bulgogi Beef in the B-BOP, juicy BBQ chicken in the KKO KKO BOP, and the tangy fried chicken in ROCK BOP. For a crunchier bite, the KRUNCH BOP brings golden chicken katsu to the mix, while vegetarians can dig into the VEGGIE BOP or DOOCHI BOP, packed with crispy tofu and Korean-style vegetables. Round out your meal with a side of classic kimchi or level up with the K-DAWG, a crispy, cheese-stuffed corn dog. To wash it all down, grab a chilled Korean soda or cool down with Binggrae's famous fish-shaped ice cream for the perfect finish. Elias Madbak, CEO of RMAL Hospitality, commented on the new store opening, stating, 'Cupbop is one of the most exciting and disruptive concepts we've brought to the region. It's fast, fun, and full of flavour, and that's exactly what today's diners are craving. From the very first bite, it delivers on taste, energy, and experience, and we're thrilled to introduce this bold brand to the UAE, starting with our Ibn Battuta Mall store. With the JBR store also on the horizon, this is an exciting time for foodies seeking something different.' The arrival of the Ibn Battuta Mall branch is just a flavour-packed teaser of what's to come, giving UAE foodies a first look before CupBop's flagship JBR location opens later this year. Even better, delivery is dropping on July 13th, so soon you can skip the queue and have all your favourite bowls, k-dawgs, mandoos, and more delivered straight to your door. Your next lunchtime fix or late-night Korean BBQ craving is sorted, as the K-revolution is soon to be just a tap away. Ready to taste what the hype is all about? Swing by CupBop's first UAE branch to grab bold Korean flavours, fun freebies, and a side of good vibes. Catch the flavour while it's hot – CupBop's UAE journey is only getting started. When: Official opening on July 3rd, opening celebration on July 9th Opening Hours: From 10AM to 10PM Where: Ibn Battuta Mall, Tunisia Court, Food Court Offer: Free cups for the first 100 guests on July 9 th Opening celebration on July 9th with Spin to Win, kids' activities, and a visit from Hoya For more information on Cupbop, visit
Arabian Business
13-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
From Utah to Dubai: Shark Tank featured Cupbop to make Middle East debut ‘give Korean love', says CEO
Twelve years ago, Junghun Song launched a modest food truck in Downtown Utah, known as Cupbop, the Korean BBQ in a cup concept is now making its Middle East debut, with its first store set to open in Dubai. In an exclusive interview with Arabian Business, the Cupbop founder discusses his slow-burn success, the power of people-led partnerships, and why the Middle East is central to his brand's next chapter. Despite the popularity of food trucks in the US, Song's journey was never about making it a franchise or an overnight success. 'In 12 years, we organically opened our stores one by one, never took an investor from different countries or different people. We grew organically,' he said. Dubai wasn't always the plan Cupbop's newest launch in Dubai's Ibn Battuta Mall wasn't just another expansion. For Song, it was a move driven by people rather than profit. 'If I didn't met my partner team in Dubai, I never thought that I am going to come back to Dubai to open stores here.' 'The reason why I opened a store here is because I met the best partner in Dubai. That's the only reason,' he added. But one gesture changed everything. The CEO of the Dubai partner company, Elias Madbak, flew 24 hours from the UAE to Utah to meet Song in person. While talking, Madbak shared a moment that struck a chord, during the height of the pandemic, when most businesses laid off workers, his company chose to keep everyone on payroll. 'This is a people business. I don't want to fire anyone,' Song recalled. 'When the CEO shared the story with me, I realised yes, I want to work with the company.' Saudi Arabia is next – but not through franchising Dubai is only the beginning. Song confirmed that the brand's UAE partner has exclusive plans to expand Cupbop into Saudi Arabia, but not through individual franchising. 'I'm really good in the US, not in this market [Dubai]. So this is the reason why I need a great partner and I know these guys [RMAL Hospitality] so well and they know the market.' With Cupbop's hands-on, partnership-based model, Song is clear about maintaining quality and consistency, especially as the brand taps into new regions with unique culinary demands. Tailoring the menu to the market Cupbop is known for its Korean flavours, spicy noodles, sweet-and-savoury sauces, and crispy fried chicken, all served in a paper bowl. But Song knows that to win over the Middle East, there needs to be adaptation. 'We don't have a seafood menu in the US, but we're creating one here,' he revealed. He also noticed Dubai's obsession with spice and crunch. 'You guys love fried chicken,' he laughed. 'We have a spice level from one to 10. I know so many Indian people live here, and they love spices.' Shark Tank changed everything Before its Middle East debut, Cupbop gained widespread attention in the US after appearing on the hit show Shark Tank. But for Song, it wasn't just about securing funding. My COO came to me and said, 'If some big company invests $20-30 million and open 100 stores, we're not the first mover anymore,' he recalled. 'I said, let's go to Shark Tank. It's a national channel, if you actually be there and introduce ourselves then we know people will know that we are the first movers of Cupbop.' They applied that very day, passed ten rounds of interviews, and finally appeared on the show. 'We filmed for one hour and 30 minutes. Those five investors fought for one hour and 30 minutes in front of my face, we were supposed to convince them but those five sharks were fighting each other and tried to convince us,' Song said. ' One of them said – hey, I want to invest $5 million and we said no.' 'We didn't take the money,' Song said. 'But the episode aired six times in the US, free advertising. Whenever I go to the airport, people want to take pictures. That's a big change. They fly from Africa, Germany, Europe, just to see us.' What's next for Cupbop? With tailored menus, a people-first approach, and a viral reputation (attributed to popularity through platforms including TikTok and Shark Tank), Cupbop aims to become more than just Korean BBQ in a cup. Rather than pursuing rapid expansion, Cupbop is taking a long-term approach to growth within the fast-casual dining sector. This measured strategy is designed to ensure sustained brand relevance and operational resilience as the company explores further regional and international opportunities.
Arabian Business
12-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
EXCLUSIVE: Cupbop CEO reveals expansion plan, new Dubai menu flavours
Korean food brand Cupbop, known for its fusion of Korean flavours served in a cup, is setting its sights on regional growth. With an upcoming debut in Dubai soon and potentially 10 more stores in the pipeline, the Utah-born brand is also preparing to enter the Saudi Arabian market while expanding its footprint across the UAE. The launch will be accelerated in partnership with RMAL Hospitality. 'The Dubai partner company [RMAL Hospitality] wants to open more than 10 stores in Dubai and they want to take Cupbop to Saudi Arabia,' he revealed in an exclusive interview with Arabian Business. At the centre of this momentum is CEO Junghun Song, who believes that Cupbop's expansion is driven by a deep understanding of local palates and a commitment to delivering 'You know K-Pop is everywhere, K-Drama is everywhere, K-Movie, K-Beauty, K-Food, so right now they're [consumers] are really here for the Korean,' he emphasised. Cupbop plans to enter the Saudi Arabian market following its Dubai launch. While specific locations in the Kingdom have not been disclosed, Song confirms that the brand will work with its existing regional partner on the Saudi roll-out. The partnership will support key operational areas including logistics, staffing, and sourcing. Dubai menu to feature exclusive local flavours Song revealed that Cupbop's Dubai launch will feature a new menu distinct from its US offerings. 'Here [Dubai] is a little different Cupbop between US and UAE,' he said. 'We don't have a seafood menu in US, but we are creating the menu here.' Song explains that the Dubai-specific menu is designed to reflect local tastes – particularly the popularity of fried chicken and seafood. 'I saw you guys – you guys love the fried chicken,' he added. The brand is also introducing a spice scale system to cater to a range of heat preferences. 'We have a spicy level one to ten so you can control it,' Song said. 'I know so many Indian people live here, and I know they love spices… so we can feed you guys well with good spice.' Korean wave and Cupbop's cultural philosophy Cupbop's global rise coincides with a growing international fascination with Korean culture from music and dramas to fashion and food. For Song, this shift is deeply personal. Reflecting on Cupbop's early days, Song said, 'When I opened my first food truck 12 years ago, nobody knew anything about Korea. People used to ask, 'Are you from North Korea or South Korea?'' But now, he said, 'so many people want to try Korean food because they've seen it in dramas, in music videos they want to eat what BTS or Black Pink are eating.' At the core of the brand is what Song calls Bopsim culture, a philosophy grounded in three Korean words: Jeong – Korean love; a mix of affection and loyalty Deom – giving something extra to show Jeong Heung – fun, energy, and joy 'These three words are our philosophy,' Song explained. 'When people come in often, we don't just serve food. We say, 'Hey, don't pay for the mandu [Korean dumplings] – I'll give it to you,' or, 'You look tired – here's something extra on the side.' That's Korean love,' he affirmed. He recounted one memorable interaction, 'A mother sent us a video of her three-year-old daughter crying, saying 'I want Cupbop.' After seeing that, I drove the food truck to their house and made a surprise party. That's who we are.' Fast casual with staying power Since its founding as a food truck in Salt Lake City in 2013, Cupbop has grown into a global brand with over 64 stores, six food trucks, and multiple concession stands in the US -including at the Utah Jazz NBA Arena alongside more than 180 outlets across Indonesia. In 2024, the chain reported $64 million in revenue. 'You can hold the bowl one paper bowl, you can kiss, you can high five,' Song said, smilingly. 'Super convenient.'
Web Release
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Web Release
Cupbop Set to Shake Things Up in the UAE Food Scene with its Crave-Worthy Korean BBQ in a Cup
Cupbop is almost here, ready to make some serious noise in the UAE's food scene with fiery Korean flavours, and a whole lot of personality, all packed into its signature black and yellow cup. Opening this summer at Ibn Battuta Mall under RMAL Hospitality, the fast, fun, no-fuss concept is bringing exotically flavourful and affordable bowls to Dubai's food lovers. With a flagship store also bopping into JBR later this year, it's time to curb your food boredom and make room for a bold new favourite in your daily rotation. Born to Bop Junghun Song started Cupbop in 2013 with four recipes, a food truck parked on the streets of Salt Lake City, and a dream. The concept was backed by Junghun's belief that Korean food had everything it needed to win hearts – bold flavours and total crowd-pleaser potential. With sauces ranging from sweet to serious heat and a side of wild energy, it wasn't long before lines of hungry fans were wrapping around blocks, all eager to be fed and entertained by the now-legendary 'crazy food truck guys'. Fast forward a few years, and enter Dok Kwon, a fellow Korean food enthusiast who loved the concept so much he teamed up with Junghun Song in 2020 to take things to the next level. The dynamic duo then brought their signature spice and charm to Shark Tank and blew the judges away, scoring offers from all five sharks. Today, Cupbop is one of the most loved food chains in the Western U.S., with 47 stores across America, 160 worldwide, and now, the UAE is next on the map for this global K-BBQ sensation. Korean Street Food Sensations Simple yet delicious, Cupbop's menu serves up a spectrum of bold Korean BBQ flavours, all packed into a cup and finished with your choice of signature sauces, ranging from sweet (#1) to fiery (#10), with the fan-favourite secret sauce landing at a punchy #7.5. The signature bowls are where the magic begins, with must-try creations including the smoky, tender Bulgogi Beef in the B BOP and juicy BBQ chicken in the KKO KKO BOP. For a little extra zing, ROCK BOP turns up the volume with tangy fried chicken, while KRUNCH BOP delivers golden, crispy chicken katsu with a satisfying bite in every forkful. If you're still craving more, treat yourself to their bold bites like the MANDOO—crispy, golden potstickers bursting with savoury flavour. Or go all in with the crunchy K-DAWG, delivering the ultimate cheese pull in every bite. Vegetarian? No problem. Make sure to try the VEGGIE BOP, brimming with flavourful Korean-style vegetables, and DOOCHI BOP, offering crispy fried tofu that's anything but boring. Next Stop – Ibn Battuta Mall, Dubai Now, UAE locals can finally get their hands on the iconic cup as Cupbop opens its first location this summer at Ibn Battuta Mall's lively food court. Perfect for refuelling after a day of retail therapy, this is Korean street food like you've never had it before – super tasty, refreshingly different, and served lightning fast. Sharing his excitement for Cupbop's UAE expansion, Elias Madbak, CEO of RMAL Hospitality, said, 'When I first met Dok and Junghun, I was immediately struck by the originality of their concept and the energy they brought to the brand. Beyond the bold flavours, I saw two founders who genuinely care about creating fun, meaningful experiences that connect with people. Their authenticity, integrity, and people-focused approach perfectly align with RMAL's own values, and it was clear that Cupbop was a brand we had to bring to the region.' Junghun Song, Founder of Cupbop, added, 'We are thrilled to finally bring our signature Korean flavours to the UAE, a place full of energy, culture, and food lovers who we know will connect with what we've created. Cupbop has always been about more than just food; it's about having fun, trying something new, and bringing people together. We can't wait to see guests across Dubai enjoy our bowls, our sauces, and the full Cupbop experience.' Get ready, Dubai – Cupbop is just getting started. With its first stop at Ibn Battuta Mall this summer and more flavour-packed locations on the horizon, this is one street food sensation you won't want to miss. Keep your eyes peeled, your taste buds ready, and stay tuned as Cupbop brings the heat across the UAE. For more information on Cupbop, visit
