Experiential Dining Concept Signs Deals for 50 New Locations Over the Next Five Years
Los Angeles, CA (RestaurantNews.com) Pepper Lunch, the Japanese-born experiential fast-casual concept unlike any other, with more than 520 locations in 16 countries, today announced results from its first full year of franchising.
Specific 2024 results include:
- Eight (8) experienced organizations that have committed to opening a combined 70 restaurants throughout Arizona, California, Florida, Hawaii, Nevada and Utah in the next five years.
- New franchise partners which offer a mix of franchising and corporate executive experience with brands such as Popeyes, Subway, Carl’s Jr, Dave’s Hot Chicken, Jamba Juice, and Halal Guys.
- New franchise partners headlined by The Carl L. Karcher Group, led by the son of the founder of Carl’s Jr., which has committed to 20 Pepper Lunch units across four territories. Current franchisees of Carl’s Jr., Jamba Juice and Dave’s Hot Chicken Restaurants, with 120 in all, the Group will bring Pepper Lunch to Southern California areas including San Diego County with five stores, Inland Empire with six stores, and the High and Low Desert areas with four stores. The Group will also open five Pepper Lunch locations in Las Vegas.
- Paul Tran, Director of Franchise Development at Pepper Lunch, has bought in for five stores, the first of which will open shortly, just five months from his initial agreement signing. The group’s first location will be in Irvine, California, making the second Pepper Lunch restaurant in one of Orange County’s largest and most populated cities. Previously, Tran led the restaurant group which owned and operated nine Halal Guys in Southern California, which was recently acquired by a hospitality company.
- 100 units planned to be under contract by end of 2024.
“The simplicity of the operation, the labor model, and the rise of Asian culture and food concepts in America are attractive and differentiated from other brands we could operate,” said Carl L Karcher regarding why his group selected Pepper Lunch to be the fourth brand within their restaurant portfolio.
Pepper Lunch is in the permitting or construction phase on five locations which will open between now and January of next year, including:
- Irvine, California (November)
- Salt Lake City and Pinellas Park, Florida (December)
- Arizona State University (January)
A total of 15 locations are planned to open in 2025.
“The results from our first 13 months of franchising demonstrate why this is one of the most globally beloved brands, both by guests and operators,” said Troy Hooper, CEO of Pepper Lunch in North America. “We’re excited about our growth trajectory, and look forward to an even more successful 2025.”
Established in 1994, Pepper Lunch is one of Japan’s largest homegrown franchise restaurant brands with over 520 locations in 16 countries. Renowned for quality food served in a unique and innovative way for dining in or delivery, and with guests being able to get in, dine, and be on their way in 20 minutes for under $20, the beloved Japanese-based brand seeks experienced franchise partners to expand its proven business model and cutting-edge customer offerings across the United States.
About Pepper Lunch
The original fast casual Japanese D-I-Y teppan restaurant, Pepper Lunch was founded in 1994 by one of Japan’s most famous chefs and entrepreneurs who wanted to introduce affordable premium steaks with quality ingredients served on a sizzling iron plate. Deliciously irresistible, Pepper Lunch proudly offers quality, tasty, and affordable meals sourced from the finest ingredients paired with an unforgettable experience. For more information about Pepper Lunch, please visit PepperLunchRestaurants.com.
Contact:
Joshua Levitt
Media for Pepper Lunch
949-981-0757
media@pepperlunchrestaurants.com
- More from Pepper Lunch
