LINCOLN PARK — An Asian fusion restaurant is taking over the storefront formerly occupied by a Red Mango yogurt shop on a retail-heavy stretch of Lincoln Park, its owner confirmed Monday.
Owner Marisol Balbarin told DNAinfo Chicago that she's aiming to open Shabowl, 844. W. Armitage Ave. in March. Balbarin was also the franchise owner of Red Mango, which shuttered in late December.
Originally from the Philippines, Balbarin's new eatery will serve a wide variety of Asian dishes at affordable prices (think $6-9). Bahn Mi sandwiches, an array of rice bowls with your choice of chicken, tofu or beef and noodle soups are all on the menu. The listed appetizers are Korean fish cake balls, egg rolls and kabobs, which are equally as wide-ranging.
"Armitage Avenue has pizza and sandwiches, but there's no Asian food. I will be the first one to offer it," Balbarin said.
Fans of Red Mango can order a yogurt-made smoothie or bubble tea to wash it all down.
Balbarin said the Red Mango location closed because the frozen yogurt market has become oversaturated. Replacing it with an Asian restaurant was a natural decision, she said.
"We got to know the neighborhood. We love Lincoln Park," she said.
Balbarin shared the menu, which is subject to change, below:
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