Pepper Lunch will return to Las Vegas with a new location at BLVD Las Vegas, opening in early 2027 at 3747 S Las Vegas Blvd. The Japanese DIY teppanyaki chain replaces its former Chinatown outpost.
Pepper Lunch, the Japanese fast-casual chain known for its DIY teppanyaki experience, is set to return to Las Vegas with a new restaurant opening at BLVD Las Vegas on the Strip in early 2027. The new location will be situated at 3747 S Las Vegas Blvd, marking the brand’s first presence on the Strip after its previous Chinatown location closed in mid-2026.
The upcoming opening is part of a 20-store development agreement between Pepper Lunch and Carl L. Karcher Group (CLK), the operator behind Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s. According to CLK Executive Vice President Domenic Bonacci, the Las Vegas restaurant is scheduled to debut in the first quarter of 2027, though further details on the buildout and menu have not yet been released.
Inside the Pepper Lunch Concept
Pepper Lunch was founded in 1994 by chef Kunio Ichinose, who aimed to make high-quality beef dishes accessible to everyday diners. The restaurant’s signature feature is its patented 500-degree iron plate, which allows guests to cook their own proteins, rice, and vegetables tableside. The brand emphasizes a quick, interactive dining experience, with most meals served in under 24 minutes and priced under $25, according to Hot Palette America, Inc. CEO Troy Hooper.
With more than 570 locations in 17 countries, Pepper Lunch has built a global following for its experiential approach to Japanese cuisine. The new Las Vegas Strip location will be the brand’s latest U.S. expansion, following a broader trend of Asian dining concepts gaining traction in American markets.
Partnership and Expansion Plans
The CLK Group, led by Carl L. Karcher—the grandson of Carl’s Jr. founder Carl N. Karcher—operates over 120 restaurants across the Western U.S. The agreement with Pepper Lunch covers 20 new locations in Southern California and Las Vegas, reflecting the group’s interest in fast-casual and Asian-inspired brands. CLK describes the Pepper Lunch model as attractive for its operational simplicity and appeal to evolving American dining preferences.
For Las Vegas, the new Strip restaurant represents a return for Pepper Lunch after its original Chinatown outpost at Shanghai Plaza closed in 2026. The move to BLVD Las Vegas positions the brand in a high-traffic area, joining other returning concepts such as Go Greek Yogurt, which is also planning a 2027 opening at the same development, as previously reported in our coverage of new Strip restaurant arrivals.
What to Expect When Pepper Lunch Opens
When Pepper Lunch opens at BLVD Las Vegas, guests can expect the brand’s signature hot plate dining, where meals are finished at the table on superheated iron plates. The restaurant will offer a menu focused on premium proteins, rice, vegetables, and a variety of sauces and seasonings, all designed for a quick, customizable experience. The opening is anticipated for early 2027, with more details on hours, reservations, and menu specifics to be announced as the project progresses.
