Tampa hospitality group inks franchise deal with Japanese fast-casual restaurant chain
By Ashley Gurbal Kritzer
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Published: Dec 20, 2023

The Tampa-based restaurateurs behind Zukku Sushi are bringing a fast-casual Japanese restaurant concept to Central Florida.

Majestic Restaurant Group has signed a franchise agreement to open 10 locations of Pepper Lunch between Tampa, Orlando and Gainesville. The first will open in the third quarter of 2024.

Majestic's other concepts include Zukku Sushi, Zukkusan Sushi Bar & Grill and ATO Poke & Sushi Burritos as well as the forthcoming Ling’s Dumplings and HAN Hand Roll Bar at Tampa's Armature Works.

The company is looking for real estate that ranges from 1,500 to 2,500 square feet with end caps and in-line retail space preferred, Majestic managing partner Ferdian Jap told the Tampa Bay Business Journal. The brand does not do drive-thru locations and could also adapt to food hall-style stalls as small as 400 square feet.

“Growing up in Indonesia, I have familiarity and admiration for Pepper Lunch,” Jap said in a statement. “The opportunity to bring Pepper Lunch to our home location in Tampa, Orlando, and Gainesville is exciting as it fulfills Majestic Restaurant Group's mission to expand Asian-focused concepts.”

It is the second development agreement that Tokyo-based Pepper Lunch has signed in North America. Pepper Lunch was founded in 1994 and has 500 locations in 15 counties. It is known for teppanyaki-style cooking, which the brand describes as "sizzling steaks, curry rice, teriyaki and pasta-based dishes."

“Pepper Lunch’s service and guest experience are unique and special, and the food is authentic, yet approachable,” Pepper Lunch CEO Troy Hooper said in a statement. “We’re thrilled to continue our domestic franchise expansion by partnering with industry veterans who understand the gameplan which leads to success.”