Shophouse, Chipotle's Asian Concept, Snags First Chicago Location in Loop

Chipotle's Asian concept is on its way to Chicago. ShopHouse Southeast Asian Kitchen, the Mexican chain's fast-casual Asian restaurant that currently only exists in the Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles areas, has a lease at 22-24 W. Jackson Blvd. in the Loop, according to a rep. Target opening date is fall 2015.

The ShopHouse concept brings the Chipotle counter-service "food with integrity" model to Southeast Asian cuisine, where customers choose a base (rice, noodles or salad), meat or tofu (including chicken satay, steak laab, and pork and chicken meatballs), vegetables, sauces, toppings and garnishes. Dishes are under $10 and beer is available at most locations. The first ShopHouse opened in September 2011 in D.C. and Chicagoans have been able to try its food in the past at the Cultivate festival in Lincoln Park.

It's currently unknown if ShopHouse is planning multiple Chicago locations—stay tuned for that. The Jackson store will be the first ShopHouse off the coasts and the eleventh overall.

[UPDATE: A story in the Daily Herald on May 13 says a ShopHouse is coming to 1022 N. Meacham Road in Schaumburg. ShopHouse reps have no comment at this time.]