Pepper Lunch is a native franchise restaurant brand and has more than 500 outlets. Credit: mocchimase/Shutterstock.

Japanese fast-casual restaurant chain Pepper Lunch has entered a franchise development agreement with the Carl L Karcher Group in the US.

The deal encompasses the launch of 20 new Pepper Lunch US outlets across Southern California and Las Vegas, in strategic locations such as South San Diego County, the Inland Empire and the High and Low Deserts.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Founded in 1994, Pepper Lunch is a native franchise restaurant brand and has more than 500 outlets in 15 countries.

Pepper Lunch CEO Troy Hooper said: “We are honoured and humbled that an operator with such a legacy of success and experience is joining us as a franchise partner.

“Their 20-store commitment across a wide territory speaks to their belief in Pepper Lunch as a strong opportunity in various markets as well.”

See Also:

The Carl L Karcher Group’s experience as both a franchisor and a franchisee is expected to be instrumental in the successful roll-out of Pepper Lunch’s locations.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The group currently manages 127 units across three different brands: 75 Carl’s Jr locations, 45 Jamba Juice locations and seven Dave’s Hot Chicken restaurants.

Carl L Karcher stated: “The simplicity of the operation, the labour model and the rise of Asian culture and food concepts in America are attractive and differentiated from other brands we could operate.”

Pepper Lunch is the fourth brand within the Carl L Karcher Group’s restaurant portfolio.

In August 2024, Pepper Lunch revealed plans for the expansion of its presence in the US with five new locations in Southern California.