LOS ANGELES, CA – Pepper Lunch, the globally celebrated Japanese-born experiential fast-casual concept, renowned for its unique sizzling hot plate dining experience and impressive cult following with over 540 locations spanning 17 countries, today announced a monumental milestone in its U.S. expansion: the launch of its first-ever nationwide limited-time offering (LTO), the highly anticipated Surf & Turf. This exciting new entrée, available starting today across all U.S. locations and priced at a compelling $19.99, is poised to redefine fast-casual dining by bringing a premium, craveable combination directly to American diners.
The inaugural Surf & Turf LTO masterfully combines culinary excellence with the signature Pepper Lunch experience. Each dish features succulent Certified Angus New York Steak alongside perfectly crispy, Panko-crusted Shrimp. This exquisite duo is served sizzling on Pepper Lunch’s iconic 500-degree hot plate, accompanied by a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables. This innovative offering marks the beginning of a series of new menu introductions planned for the coming months, reflecting Pepper Lunch’s commitment to continually surprising and delighting its guests with unexpected and globally inspired flavors. The introduction of this LTO not only broadens the menu but also reinforces Pepper Lunch’s position as a leader in unique and engaging dining experiences.
Troy Hooper, CEO of Pepper Lunch, emphasized the strategic importance and quality focus of this new offering, stating, “The quality of beef we’re using is something you’d typically find at a steakhouse, and combined with our crispy Panko Shrimp, makes for an incredibly delicious combination.” He further elaborated on the Company’s vision for this launch, adding, “This is the first LTO we’re offering in the US, so we wanted to go big and give our guests the best we have to offer, at a compelling price.” This statement underscores Pepper Lunch’s dedication to providing exceptional value without compromising on ingredient quality or taste, a hallmark of the brand’s global success.
Beyond exciting menu innovations, Pepper Lunch is concurrently investing in the enhancement of its operational framework. The company is actively deploying advanced new technology and implementing other strategic initiatives designed to elevate both the franchisee experience and ensure a more enjoyable and frictionless guest experience. These advancements aim to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and further solidify Pepper Lunch’s reputation for convenience and customer satisfaction. This holistic approach ensures that as the brand grows, the quality of service and ease of interaction remain paramount for all stakeholders.
Established in 1994, Pepper Lunch stands as one of Japan’s most successful homegrown franchise restaurant brands, boasting an impressive global footprint of over 540 locations across 17 countries. The brand has garnered widespread acclaim for its commitment to serving high-quality food in a unique, interactive, and innovative manner, suitable for both dine-in and convenient delivery options. A key differentiator for Pepper Lunch is its ability to provide guests with a premium dining experience where they can customize their meal on a sizzling hot plate, allowing for quick service – typically enabling guests to “get in, dine, and be on their way in 20 minutes” – all for an affordable price point, often “under $20.”
This beloved Japanese-based brand is actively seeking experienced and passionate franchise partners to further expand its proven business model and introduce its cutting-edge customer offerings across key markets within the United States. Pepper Lunch offers a robust support system for its franchisees, leveraging decades of international success and a deeply ingrained understanding of the fast-casual dining landscape. The brand’s unique “D-I-Y” (Do-It-Yourself) teppan style of cooking allows customers to cook their own meals to their desired perfection directly on a sizzling iron plate, ensuring freshness and personalization. This interactive element sets Pepper Lunch apart from conventional fast-casual establishments, transforming a meal into an engaging culinary adventure.
About Pepper Lunch
Pepper Lunch is recognized as the original fast-casual Japanese D-I-Y teppan restaurant concept. It was founded in 1994 by one of Japan’s most renowned chefs and visionary entrepreneurs, whose core mission was to democratize premium dining by introducing affordable yet high-quality steaks and other choice ingredients served dynamically on a sizzling iron plate. This foundational principle has guided Pepper Lunch’s growth, ensuring that its commitment to excellence remains at the heart of its operations. Deliciously irresistible, Pepper Lunch proudly offers quality, tasty, and affordable meals meticulously sourced from the finest ingredients, consistently delivering an unforgettable and interactive dining experience to its diverse global customer base. The brand’s innovative approach and dedication to quality have fostered a loyal following, making it a beloved choice for quick, satisfying, and engaging meals.
- The global fast-casual restaurant market is experiencing significant growth, driven by consumer demand for high-quality, convenient, and affordable dining options that bridge the gap between fast food and full-service restaurants.
- The “experiential dining” trend, which Pepper Lunch perfectly embodies with its sizzling hot plate concept, is increasingly popular as consumers seek more than just a meal but an engaging and memorable social experience.
- Japanese cuisine, including unique concepts like teppan dining, continues to gain immense popularity worldwide, signifying a strong market appetite for authentic and innovative Asian food experiences.
- Pepper Lunch’s proven franchise model, with over 540 locations in 17 countries, demonstrates exceptional adaptability and scalability, positioning it strongly for continued expansion in new and existing markets.
Contact:
Joshua Levitt
Media for Pepper Lunch
Phone: 949.981.0757
Email: [email protected]




