The Pepper Lunch Story: 30+ Years of Sizzle, From Tokyo to North America

Some restaurant concepts are built in boardrooms. Pepper Lunch was born on the streets of Tokyo, in the imagination of one of Japan's most celebrated culinary entrepreneurs, who asked a simple but radical question: what if every guest could have a premium steak — cooked exactly the way they like it — for the price of a fast-casual meal? The answer was the sizzling iron plate. And it changed everything.

1994
The Sizzle Is Born

Founded in Tokyo with a bold vision: bring teppanyaki to the masses. The patented 500°F hot plate creates an interactive dining experience — and an instant hit.

1990s
Built to Scale

Franchising begins, proving the concept works across formats — from malls to high streets — and setting the foundation for global growth.

2000s
Global Expansion

Pepper Lunch expands rapidly across Asia-Pacific, becoming a high-volume, multi-market brand known for its signature sizzling experience.

2010s–2020
Global Momentum

New ownership fuels expansion past 400 locations and into new markets, including the brand’s first entry into the United States.

2023–Present
North America Takes Off

Franchise program launches. Dozens of units signed. Strong AUV growth and industry recognition signal major momentum — with significant room to scale.

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Pepper Lunch Franchise | Global Brand Story
Hot Palette America
2945 Townsgate Road Suite 200
Westlake Village, CA 91361
*As reported in the 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document
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This information is not intended as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise. It is for information purposes only. The franchisor, Hot Palette America - Hot Palette America is located at 609 Deep Valley Drive Suite 358, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274. Currently, the following states regulate the offer and sale of franchises: California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. If you are a resident of or want to locate a franchise in one of these states, we will not offer you a franchise unless and until we have complied with applicable pre-sale registration and disclosure requirements in your state.

Franchise offerings are made by Franchise Disclosure Document only.
In New York, an offering of a franchise can only be made by a prospectus that has been previously filed and registered with the Department of Law of the State of New York. The application for registration of an offering prospectus or the acceptance and filing thereof by the Department of Law as required by the New York law does not constitute approval of the offering or the sale of such franchise by the Department of Law or the attorney general of New York.

THIS FRANCHISE HAS BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE FRANCHISE INVESTMENT LAW OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA. SUCH REGISTRATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE APPROVAL, RECOMMENDATION, OR ENDORSEMENT BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CORPORATIONS NOR A FINDING BY THE COMMISSIONER THAT THE INFORMATION PROVIDED HEREIN IS TRUE, COMPLETE, AND NOT MISLEADING.