In May 2025, Kent welcomed a fresh wave of healthy eating as Bibibop Asian Grill officially opened its newest location just steps from Kent State University. The new restaurant, located on East Main Street, offers a fast, casual dining experience focused on wellness, affordability and bold Asian inspired flavors.
The grand opening celebration included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, samples from Daisy Pops and Bent Tree Coffee, exciting offers and promotions. Among them, 100 lucky guests won a free bowl every month for a year, and those wearing orange received $5 off their order on opening day.
Senior communications studies major Josh Wallace attended the grand opening as a longtime fan. He shared his excitement of finally having a Bibibop close to campus.
“I came to the Bibibop grand opening because I’m a huge fan,” Wallace said. “I was so excited to see a new location pop up in Kent.”
Sophomore nursing major Bronwyn Stewart believes Bibibop is a great addition to the Kent food scene. As someone who values healthier dining options, she sees the restaurant as a great fit for the community.
“I think Bibibop fits perfectly in Kent since so many people here are health conscious,” Stewart said. “It’s a refreshing alternative to Chipotle or typical fast-food spots.”
The flexibility and customizability of Bibibop’s ordering experience make it stand out, Wallace said, and being able to choose fresh and nutritious ingredients is important for college students.
“My go-to is the potato noodles; they’re such a great healthy alternative,” he said. “Plus, the cafeteria style setup means I can build my bowl exactly how I like it.”
Stewart said she discovered Bibibop through a friend who emphasized the freshness of the ingredients.
“I first heard about Bibibop from a friend who tried it at another location and raved about it,” she said. “They kept talking about how fresh the food was, and after hearing all the hype, I knew I had to try it.”
At her first dining experience at the Kent Bibibop, she was impressed not only by the flavor but also by the balance of health and affordability the restaurant offers.
“I ended up loving the spicy chicken and purple rice — it’s packed with flavor and still feels like a healthy choice,” she said. “What really stands out is that it’s a fast food option that doesn’t compromise on nutrition or price.”
Wrapping up his thoughts on Bibibop, Wallace summed up why he keeps coming back and recommending it to others.
“Bibibop offers healthy fast food that actually tastes amazing, and it’s super affordable,” he said. “I always recommend it to friends because it’s unique, it’s not like anything else out there.”
Savannah Carroll is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].
