Franchising

Pepper Lunch opening in Arizona

Photo: Pepper Lunch

September 19, 2025

Pepper Lunch, a Japanese fast casual chain, is celebrating the grand opening of its first Arizona location this weekend at Arizona State University.

The restaurant, located in the University Gateway Building, will offer free Beef Pepper Rice to the first 100 customers each day during the three-day grand opening weekend (Sept. 20-22.) Additionally, all guests who dine during the opening weekend will receive a buy-one-get-one-free offer for a future visit.

"Our entire team is thrilled to add Pepper Lunch to students' dining options," Jake Ireland, co-owner and operator of the location, said in a company press release. "We know they are going to love this unique and delicious campus addition."

The Pepper Lunch is one of 10 locations the company plans to open in 2025 across North America, with restaurants also slated for California, Utah, Florida and Texas.

The menu includes other sizzling plate options, such as Sizzling Curry Rice and various teriyaki dishes, as well as teppan pasta.

Pepper Lunch, which was founded in Japan in 1994, has over 540 locations in 17 countries. The Tempe location will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.