Franchising
Pepper Lunch signs multi-unit development deal for Utah
January 19, 2024
Pepper Lunch, a Japanese-born fast casual with over 500 locations in 15 countries, has signed its fourth major development agreement for North America since announcing its investment in domestic expansion last year.
Gemba Partners, owned and operated by Utah residents Charles and Catherine Johnson, will launch five units over the next three years in Utah, with the first location opening by year's end.
Charles Johnson's career spans multiple start-up restaurants with 22 years dedicated to operating and growing PF Chang's from its first restaurant in various operations roles. Climbing the ladder from an hourly team member to regional VP of Operations, he was instrumental in the expansion of the brand, ultimately leading a region of over 60 restaurant locations in the Western United States., according to a company press release. His ability to build high-performing teams led to additional roles as the COO in the upscale fast casual segment with Southern California brands Lemonade and Burger Lounge.
Catherine Johnson's journey expands the breadth of the restaurant and hotel industry. An alumnus of the University of California – San Diego, she worked her way through school in the restaurant industry leading to multiple roles in Operations, Finance/Accounting and Learning and Development, opening over 25 restaurants for the PF Chang's brand during its expansion. After moving to Utah in 2007, she was instrumental in the opening of St. Regis – Deer Valley in Park City Utah, operating Jean George Grill and ultimately transitioning into the catering side of the business. This led to her move to the role of director of Catering at The Beverly Hills Hotel.
"After our first visit it was clear this was a truly differentiated dining experience in Fast Casual, that not only produces an experiential DIY element coupled with high-quality ingredients, but it also adds an amazing speed of service," Charles Johnson said in the release. "Catherine and I are more than thrilled to develop Pepper Lunch in the Utah market. Having lived, raised children and opened and operated restaurants and hotels in Utah, the opportunity to bring a truly unique dining experience to a place we love could not be passed up."
