Operations

Pepper Lunch CEO: '2024 was transformative'

Average unit volume increased 5.4%, and all locations reported same-store sales growth.

Photo: Pepper Lunch

April 24, 2025

Pepper Lunch, which has 540 locations in 17 countries, ended 2024 with average unit volume increases of nearly $83,000 per restaurant, or 5.4%, bringing the brand's AUV to $1.617 million up from $1.3 million in 2022.

"2024 was a transformative year for this brand," Troy Hooper, CEO of Pepper Lunch, said in a company press release. "Not only did we begin to see the green shoots from the strategic pieces we put in place beginning in 2023, but now we're firing on all cylinders, and look forward to an even better year with continued sales growth."

That momentum is carrying over in 2025 with the company opening locations in Tampa Bay, Salt Lake City and Orange County, California, representing just a few of the 15 locations Pepper Lunch plans to open in 2025.

Other 2024 highlights

• 100% of its North American restaurants saw same-store sales growth up to 11.9%.
• The brand's "test store" where Pepper Lunch is implementing various guest-facing initiatives, including a new tech stack to elevate the diner and team member experience, saw the largest percentage of growth.
• Experiences Five franchisees committed to opening a combined 40 more restaurants throughout California, Nevada, and Oregon in the next three to five years.
• First-time franchise partners that offer a mix of franchising and corporate executive experience with brands such as Popeyes, Subway, Carl's Jr, Dave's Hot Chicken, Jamba Juice and Halal Guys joined.