The housing of multiple restaurants under one roof is a concept normally reserved for fast-food chains — Taco Bell and KFC, for example — or food halls. However, two locally owned establishments are trying out the format themselves, by shacking up together in Hyde Park. Seoul Taco, the Korean American casual mini-chain that opened a Hyde Park location in 2018, is partnering with 3LP, the Chinese American spot with a flagship location in Bridgeport.

Seoul Taco founder David Choi tells Eater the move is a way to adapt to reduced dine-in customers and meet the increased demand for carryout and delivery. Choi says 3LP, formerly 3 Little Pigs, and founder Henry Cai have operated out of ghost kitchens for years. They both have “fast, simple menus,” making the partnership a natural fit. 3LP operates ghost kitchens in Avondale and West Loop.

Customers will find full menus from both restaurants — it’s easier to cross-train workers so they can prepare food from Seoul Taco and 3LP. They will also roll out special menu collaborations in Hyde Park. The first is a Korean fried chicken sandwich. Beyond being friends for years, Choi says they’ve long talked about working together.

The collaboration could extend to some of Seoul Taco’s four other Chicago locations, Cai says. Cai, who recently opened a location in Anaheim, California, compared the venture to those KFC/Taco Bell spots operated by Yum! Brands, most of which are located in the suburbs. There is one location in Irving Park.

Seoul Taco/3LP will be offering free food to the first 50 customers on opening day, set for Friday, April 4.

Will other restaurants follow suit? Maybe Chicago will see a Red Hot Ranch and Alinea brick-and-mortar next. Time will tell, or at least it will make a decent April Fool’s Day gag.

3LP and Seoul Taco 1321 E. 57th Street, opening on Friday, April 4.