Iconic Japanese Teppanyaki Chain Pepper Lunch Will Open in Houston

Yet another restaurant from Asia will be migrating to the Houston market when Pepper Lunch opens its first Texas outpost for teppanyaki in Space City.

Calling itself “the original Japanese DIY teppan restaurant,” Pepper Lunch confirmed to Eater that it will bring its table-side griddled foods to Houston, and according to documents filed with the county clerk’s office, the restaurant will debut inside Bellaire Food Street at 9393 Bellaire Boulevard.

The fast-casual Japanese chain operates 350 outposts across Asia including Hong Kong, the Philippines, Malaysia, and China, plus a handful in Australia and one in Southern California. Founder Chef Kunio Ichinose opened the first outpost in 1994 after developing an “electromagnetic cooker” to accompany an iron teppan plate, which the restaurant holds a patent for, according to its website. The iron plate heats up to 500 degrees in 70 seconds and remains hot for more than 20 minutes. “Meat grilled at this temperature range remains tender and juicy,” reads Pepper Lunch’s site. At the eatery’s California outpost, it boasts angus steak in a variety of cuts, curry and teriyaki dishes using beef, salmon, and chicken, plus veggie dishes with tofu and kimchi — there’s even pasta on the menu.

Pepper Lunch will join two other confirmed eateries at Bellaire Food Street including Migo, which will serve up Saigon street food beginning late 2018 or early 2019 and Meet Fresh, a Taiwanese dessert spot for shaved ice bowls. As Eater reported previously, when finished, Bellaire Food Street will be home to nine vendors total and a 10,000 square-foot food hall called the Kitchen District.

Stay tuned for more information on Pepper Lunch’s Houston debut.

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