News Summary
Pepper Lunch, a popular Japanese fast casual dining chain, is set to open its first Arizona location at Arizona State University from September 20-22, 2025. The grand opening will offer special promotions, including complimentary Beef Pepper Rice for the first 100 customers each day and a buy-one-get-one-free offer for guests dining throughout the weekend. This new restaurant aims to provide an innovative dining experience to students while expanding its presence across North America, targeting younger demographics with its vibrant menu.
Arizona is welcoming Pepper Lunch, a Japanese fast casual chain, with the grand opening of its first location in the state at Arizona State University. The festivities are set to take place from September 20 to September 22, 2025, and will offer exciting promotions for attendees.
During the grand opening weekend, the first 100 customers each day will be able to enjoy a complimentary serving of Beef Pepper Rice, the restaurant’s signature dish. Additionally, every guest who dines at Pepper Lunch throughout the weekend will receive a buy-one-get-one-free offer for a future visit, encouraging repeat patronage.
Located in the University Gateway Building, this new restaurant marks a significant addition to the dining options available for students. Co-owner and operator Jake Ireland expressed his enthusiasm for introducing Pepper Lunch to the campus, noting the unique dining experience it provides.
Pepper Lunch, founded in Japan in 1994, operates over 540 locations across 17 countries, primarily focusing on a unique dining concept that allows customers to cook their meals on patented sizzling hot plates. The menu features various mouth-watering options including Sizzling Curry Rice, teriyaki dishes, and teppan pasta, which are designed to maintain authentic flavors with both traditional and localized items. In the U.S. version of the menu, diners can find flavors like Korean gochujang and kimchi, ensuring a diverse culinary experience without an Americanized twist.
With plans to expand its presence, Pepper Lunch is set to open 10 additional locations across North America in 2025. This expansion strategy includes new restaurants in California, Utah, Florida, and Texas. Presently, the company has 70 additional stores in development, with a notable concentration of 30 located in Southern California.
The average meal cost at Pepper Lunch is estimated to be around $17.50, making it an accessible dining option for college students and young adults. The brand primarily targets a younger demographic, with around 50% of its U.S. customer base being under the age of 30. This focus on a vibrant, younger audience is evident in Pepper Lunch’s lively menu and dining concept.
The Tempe location will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., accommodating both students and residents in the local area. With its emphasis on quality and experience, Pepper Lunch aims not only to attract customers in the bustling university setting but also to create a niche in the fast-casual dining market.
As the grand opening draws near, there is keen anticipation about how this debut location will resonate with the community at Arizona State University and whether it will set the stage for future expansions in the state.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Fast Casual
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- Mouth by Southwest
- QSR Magazine
- AZ Central
- Wikipedia: Pepper Lunch
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- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pepper Lunch
- Google News: Pepper Lunch Tempe
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
