Pepper Lunch, a popular Japan-based dining chain known for its sizzling DIY steak bowls, is expanding into South and Central Texas with plans to open 20 new locations, including an unspecified number in San Antonio, officials said Monday.
In addition to the chain’s first-even Alamo City locations, the growth will include restaurants in Austin and Houston, all developed by Sizzling Hospitality, a franchising operation led by longtime restaurant exec Bobby Shaw. Earlier this year, the Japanese company signed a deal with a separate Dallas-Fort Worth franchisee.
“Pepper Lunch is one of those rare concepts that truly stands out,” said Shaw, whose resume includes top roles at fast-casual Chipotle and Freebirds World Burrito chains plus time at artisanal ice cream brand Salt & Straw. “It’s an experience that excites guests, energizes teams and delivers strong unit economics.”
The Current reached out for to Pepper Lunch for the exact number of San Antonio locations included in the deal, their locations and opening dates. However, a representative was unable to provide those details by press time.
The fast-casual Pepper Lunch concept lets diners take control of their meal by building their own bowl with fresh ingredients or choosing from the restaurant’s signature creations.
Each dish is served on a sizzling hot plate, allowing guests to sear their meat and vegetables to their preferred doneness right at the table — a form of Japanese dining called teppanyaki.
Pepper Lunch meals offer a variety of protein and veggie customization options, including steak, salmon, kimchi tofu, kimchi chicken, curry bowls, pasta, surf-and-turf selections and more.
Created in 1994 by chef Kunio Ichinose, Pepper Lunch has since expanded to include 550 locations across 17 countries. The chain is active in eight U.S. states.
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