The Japanese-born, fast-casual restaurant chain is growing its presence in America’s second-largest state as it looks to expand on its more 570 locations across 17 countries.
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.
“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.”
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.
