Japanese fast-casual restaurant chain Pepper Lunch plans to open its first store in Mongolia in 2025 as part of its global expansion strategy. The move expands its international presence to 17 countries.
The brand has entered a franchise agreement with Bluemon Group, a local distributor in Mongolia, as reported by Inside Retail.
Pepper Lunch global CEO Yuto Tago stated on LinkedIn: “We signed a master franchise agreement with our Mongolian franchise partner yesterday. Mongolia is Pepper Lunch’s 17th country. I cannot wait to see the first restaurant opening next year!”
Pepper Lunch is known for its DIY casual dining concept, offering a range of premium steaks, pasta, Pepper Rice and its signature dish, Cheese Curry Rice.
The restaurant chain, founded by chef Kunio Ichinose in 1994, now operates more than 500 locations.
In 2020, Pepper Food Service sold the Pepper Lunch franchise to J-Star Investment Fund for $79m. This acquisition has further facilitated the brand's expansion.
It offers a unique dining experience where customers cook their own meals on patented sizzling hot teppan plates. This interactive concept has contributed to the brand's popularity, allowing diners to immerse themselves in the process of cooking to their own preference.
As part of its international growth, Pepper Lunch signed a development agreement for North America in October 2023.
The BID Investment Group has committed to developing ten new locations in and around the Phoenix, Arizona area up to 2029.
In December 2023, Pepper Lunch entered development agreements with Majestic Restaurant Group and NiKU, advancing its expansion within the US.
Majestic Restaurant Group has signed up for the development of ten Pepper Lunch units across the Tampa, Orlando and Gainesville areas up to 2028.
NiKU plans to establish ten locations in Hawaii up to 2033, with the first to open in the first quarter of 2025.
The brand plans 100 North American locations by 2026. It already has outlets in British Columbia, California, Florida, Guam, Nevada, Texas and Vancouver.
