Fast-casual chain Pepper Lunch adds to Texas growth plans
A Japanese-born fast-casual restaurant chain is growing its presence in America’s second-largest state.
Sizzling Hospitality, a Pepper Lunch franchisee, has secured four locations across the Austin and Houston metropolitan areas just nine months after signing a 20-unit development agreement to bring the brand to Texas. The initial wave of development includes signed locations in Leander, Hutto and Kyle in the Greater Austin area, as well as Missouri City in the Greater Houston market.
Pepper Lunch says the expansion represents a significant milestone in its North American expansion. Sizzling Hospitality will have as many as 10 leased sites secured by the end of June, and anticipates up to eight of those to be open one year from now, or within 20 months of becoming a large franchisee.
Pepper Lunch operates more than 570 locations in 17 countries, with more than 120 restaurants in development across North America.
“One of the reasons we selected Bobby Shaw [chief business officer] and Sizzling Hospitality to develop Texas was their ability to execute quickly and strategically,” said Troy Hooper, CEO of Pepper Lunch. “In less than a year, they’ve assembled an impressive pipeline spanning both Austin and Houston, two of the fastest-growing and most dynamic restaurant markets in the country. This level of momentum validates the tremendous opportunity we see for Pepper Lunch throughout Texas.”
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Founded in Japan in 1994, Pepper Lunch offers an interactive dining concept that allows guests to play a part in the cooking experience. Meals arrive on a patented iron plate heated to more than 500 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing guests to mix, season and finish cooking premium meats, rice and fresh vegetables right at the table.
“Austin and Houston diners are always looking for something new and memorable,” said Shaw. “Pepper Lunch delivers both. It combines the energy and excitement of an interactive dining experience with incredible food and a strong value. We believe Texas is going to embrace this concept in a big way.”
