FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and the New England Revolution kicked off the occasion by celebrating AAPI culture and supporting local business with a catered lunch from Bibim Box – a food truck serving Korean cuisine in the Boston area.
Started by Justin Won in 2017, Bibim Box specializes in rice or noodle bowls, with bulgogi and other Korean style meats. Korean food is something Won had always wanted to share with the public, dreaming of owning a food truck in addition to working his corporate job. But when he got laid off, he realized it was the perfect time to make the leap – even if his wife was didn’t love the idea.
“I was always interested in doing a food truck on the side, so I think it was a good opportunity to start. My wife was actually against it, but I started the food truck because it was little bit lower risk,” said Won. “50 percent of restaurants fail. I thought if I failed with a food truck, I could just resell the truck and get something back, that’s how it started.”
Today, Bibim Box is more than just a food truck, with a brick-and-mortar location at MIT and an additional restaurant opening soon in Roxbury Crossing. When on wheels, Bibim Box can typically be found in downtown Boston near South Station, parked up at Harvard University, or outside the Mass General Hospitals. The location can always be found on Bibim Box’s Facebook page, which Won updates daily.
Last Wednesday, Won and his staff prepared a buffet for Revolution players and coaches in their meal room following training. The players could choose from bulgogi chicken, spicy chicken, bulgogi pork, spicy pork, seasoned beef, and house made tofu to top their noodle or rice bowls.
“I’ve only had Korean food maybe once or twice,” said defender Brandon Bye as he sat with his plate. “But this is really good. I’m really enjoying it. I’m happy they came out, and we really appreciate it.”
The feast wasn’t just reserved for the Revolution team seen on the pitch – meals were also provided on Thursday for the entire Revolution staff to experience the flavors of Korea. The meals weren’t just a way to honor Korean culture, but also a delicious way to unify everyone across the organization.
New England will continue to celebrate the culture of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders all month long, starting with AAPI Night at Gillette Stadium when the Revs host the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday, May 17. The Fan Zone will include cultural performances, family activities, and opportunities to meet organizations representing AAPI voices across New England. Attendees will also have the chance to receive a limited-edition AAPI Scarf designed by local artist Juno Jialu Zou.
