We’ve got some sizzling news that’s sure to fire up your excitement! We are thrilled to announce that Pepper Lunch is expanding its footprint in Southern California with a brand-new multi-unit franchisee partnership in Orange County and  Los Angeles. This exciting venture is brought to you by the dynamic team at Paul Tran & Associates, 

Meet Our New Franchisee: Paul Tran & Associates

Let’s give a warm welcome to Paul Tran & Associates, our newest franchise partners. Led by Paul Tran, who is not only a passionate believer in our brand but also our very own Director of Franchise Development. His investment and operations team exemplifies the spirit and commitment we  value at Pepper Lunch. Alongside him are Thomas Pham and Andrew Le, both of whom share a deep connection with Pepper Lunch and are excited to bring more of  our sizzling plates to SoCal.

Paul’s journey with Pepper Lunch started back in 2016 during a trip to Australia, where he first fell in love with our unique DIY dining experience. He has visited Pepper Lunch restaurants in 5 countries so far.  He joined the parent company of the brand in the U.S., Hot Palette America, in early 2024 shortly after selling his multi-unit Halal Guys restaurant franchise group.

Paul Tran & Associates have an impressive background in the restaurant industry. They were the largest franchisees of The Halal Guys, operating nine locations across Southern California before being acquired by a large hospitality company last year. With their extensive experience and proven track record, we’re confident that they’ll make Pepper Lunch a sizzling success in Orange County and Los Angeles.

A Sizzling Expansion Plan

We’re not stopping at just one location! Over the next three years, Paul Tran & Associates plan to develop at least five Pepper Lunch locations. The first location is set to open within the year, followed by two more in the subsequent year. This strategic expansion will allow us to bring our unique dining experience to even more people, making Pepper Lunch a household name in the area.

From Our Franchisee

Paul Tran shared his enthusiasm about the new venture, saying, “Each of us has a separate love story with Pepper Lunch. I first fell in love with it while traveling in Australia in 2016. Thomas and Andrew knew and loved the brand when it arrived here in the States. We believe that Pepper Lunch is perfect for meeting the growing demand for Asian food and culture. The business model is brilliant and relevant for both consumers and franchisees. It’s simple to operate, scalable, and requires minimal staffing.”

He added, “I’ve been in the restaurant and franchise business for two decades and have been on both sides of the table - franchisor and franchisee. The best advice I can give for success in this business is this: Happy, profitable, and engaged franchisees are the small hinges that swing big doors. Brilliant business ideas, delicious food, and friendly service mean little without incredible leadership focused on ensuring franchisees are valued and equipped to succeed.”

Why Pepper Lunch?

Pepper Lunch isn’t just a restaurant; it’s an experience. Our patented hot plates allow you to cook your meal to perfection right at your table, adding a personal touch to your dining experience. It’s fast, it’s fun, and it’s delicious. We pride ourselves on offering high-quality ingredients and flavors that tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re a culinary enthusiast or just looking for a fun night out, Pepper Lunch has something for everyone.

Join the Sizzle

The excitement is real, and we can’t wait to bring Pepper Lunch to North Los Angeles. Whether you’re a loyal fan or new to our brand, we invite you to join us on this sizzling journey. Keep an eye out for our grand opening announcements and be the first to experience the thrill of DIY dining with Pepper Lunch.

Stay tuned for updates on our new locations and get ready to sizzle it your way, North Los Angeles!