A Japanese restaurant chain known for its plates of steak and rice is heading to Central Texas. Pepper Lunch — an international, fast-casual concept with more than 550 locations worldwide — has announced plans to open 20 restaurants across Austin, San Antonio and Houston over the next five years.
The move is part of a broader U.S. expansion that includes an additional 25 new locations in Texas and Southern California, pushing the company past the 100-unit mark since it began franchising in the U.S. two years ago.
Founded in Japan in 1994, Pepper Lunch serves what it calls a “DIY teppan” experience — customers receive a sizzling hot iron plate of meat, rice and vegetables that they mix and cook themselves at the table. The menu focuses on affordable, quick-serve dishes, with meals typically priced under $25 and ready within 25 minutes.
Popular dishes include Pepper Rice (steak, chicken or salmon served over rice with the brand’s signature pepper sauce), sizzling steak plates and customizable combinations of proteins, vegetables and sauces.
The first wave of Texas restaurants is expected to begin opening within the next year, though exact Austin locations have not yet been announced. When complete, Central Texans will be able to experience Pepper Lunch’s signature hot-plate dishes without hopping on a flight to Tokyo.