Fatburger Brings a Taste of Hollywood to Japan with Okinawa Opening
Rhea-AI Summary
FAT Brands (NASDAQ: FAT) announced the reopening of Fatburger in Japan with a new restaurant in Okinawa on Dec 16, 2025, operated in partnership with Green Micro Factory Inc.
This Okinawa location is the first of four Fatburger restaurants planned across the island as part of FAT Brands’ regional development push. The release highlights Fatburger’s 70+ year legacy, customizable menu (including Impossible burgers and hand-scooped milkshakes), and FAT Brands’ global scale of over 2,300 units across 18 brands.
The Okinawa address is 327-1 Mizugama, Kadenacho, Nakagamigun, Okinawa, Japan; more information is available at fatburger.com.
Positive
- Return to Japan with first of four Okinawa restaurants
- Local operating partner: Green Micro Factory Inc.
- FAT Brands network comprises 18 brands and >2,300 units worldwide
Negative
- None.
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
Peer moves are mixed: FATBB (-13.69%) and NDLS (-9.44%) are down, while ARKR (+1.03%), RAVE (+1.42%) and BDL (+3.37%) are up, suggesting company-specific dynamics rather than a clear sector trend for FAT’s -5.36% move.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 01 | Promo campaign | Positive | +6.3% | Free cookie promotion for rewards members on National Cookie Day. |
| Nov 19 | Store opening | Positive | -4.6% | First combined Fatburger and Buffalo’s Express opened in Dallas. |
| Nov 13 | Product launch | Positive | -4.9% | National catering program launched at Round Table Pizza. |
| Nov 07 | Store opening | Positive | -3.3% | First Round Table Pizza opened in Greater Austin area. |
| Nov 05 | Earnings results | Negative | -3.4% | Q3 2025 revenue with large net loss and negative EBITDA reported. |
Operational and promotional news often elicit mixed or negative reactions, while clearly weak financial results have aligned with downside moves.
Over the last six weeks, FAT has issued multiple brand and unit growth updates alongside weak financial disclosures. Promotions and openings for Great American Cookies, Fatburger, and Round Table Pizza highlighted brand reach of over 2,300 units worldwide, yet several of these upbeat announcements coincided with share price declines of roughly 3–5%. The Q3 2025 earnings release, featuring a $140.0M revenue line but a substantial net loss, also saw a negative reaction. Today’s Japan expansion news fits the pattern of positive operating headlines against a pressured equity backdrop.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement highlights FAT Brands’ strategy of international expansion, with a new Fatburger in Okinawa marking the first of four planned locations in the region. It reinforces the company’s broader scale of 18 brands and over 2,300 units worldwide, following recent U.S. openings across its portfolio. Investors may watch for how new international units contribute to systemwide sales and whether operational growth helps against the backdrop of previously disclosed losses and debt obligations.
Key Terms
fast-casual technical
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
Los Angeles-Based Burger Brand Returns to Japan with First of Four New Locations
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc., parent company of Fatburger and 17 other restaurant concepts, announces the opening of its newest Fatburger location in Okinawa in partnership with Green Micro Factory Inc., marking the brand’s highly anticipated return to Japan. The new location is the first of four Fatburger restaurants slated to open across Okinawa, as part of the brand’s development plans to reignite its presence in the region.
“Fatburger’s strong legacy of serving quality, made-to-order burgers and other signature menu offerings has made the brand an international favorite,” said Jake Berchtold, COO of FAT Brands’ Fast Casual Division. “We look forward to bringing the Fatburger experience back to Japan, as this opening marks a significant milestone towards our global expansion strategy.”
“We see Okinawa as a prime market to grow the Fatburger brand,” said Yasushi Okuda of Green Micro Factory Inc. “All-American chains continue to flourish on the island, and with our premium menu offerings and unparalleled guest experience, we look forward to a warm reception from both locals and tourists.”
Ever since the first Fatburger opened in Los Angeles over 70 years ago, the chain has been known for its delicious, grilled-to-perfection and cooked-to-order burgers. Founder Lovie Yancey believed that a big burger with everything on it is a meal in itself; at Fatburger “everything” is not just the usual roster of toppings. Burgers can be customized with everything from bacon and eggs to chili and onion rings. In addition to its famous burgers, the Fatburger menu also includes Fat and Skinny Fries, sweet potato fries, scratch-made onion rings, Impossible™ Burgers, turkeyburgers, hand-breaded crispy chicken sandwiches, and hand-scooped milkshakes made from 100 percent real ice cream.
The new Fatburger in Okinawa is located at 327-1 Mizugama, Kadenacho, Nakagamigun, Okinawa, Japan. For more information on Fatburger, visit www.fatburger.com.
###
About FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands
FAT Brands (NASDAQ: FAT) is a leading global franchising company that strategically acquires, markets and develops fast casual, quick-service, casual and polished casual dining restaurant concepts around the world. The Company currently owns 18 restaurant brands: Round Table Pizza, Fatburger, Marble Slab Creamery, Johnny Rockets, Fazoli’s, Twin Peaks, Great American Cookies, Smokey Bones, Hot Dog on a Stick, Buffalo’s Cafe & Express, Hurricane Grill & Wings, Pretzelmaker, Elevation Burger, Native Grill & Wings, Yalla Mediterranean and Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouses, and franchises and owns over 2,300 units worldwide. For more information on FAT Brands, please visit www.fatbrands.com.
About Fatburger
An all-American, Hollywood favorite, Fatburger is a fast-casual restaurant serving big, juicy, tasty burgers, crafted specifically to each customer’s liking. With a legacy spanning over 70 years, Fatburger’s extraordinary quality and taste inspire fierce loyalty amongst its fan base, which includes a number of A-list celebrities and athletes. Featuring a contemporary design and ambiance, Fatburger offers an unparalleled dining experience, demonstrating the same dedication to serving gourmet, homemade, custom-built burgers as it has since 1952 – The Last Great Hamburger Stand™.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Erin Mandzik, FAT Brands
emandzik@fatbrands.com
860-212-6509
FAQ
When did FAT Brands announce the Fatburger Okinawa opening (FAT)?
How many Fatburger locations are planned in Okinawa under FAT (FAT)?
Who is the local partner for Fatburger Okinawa (FAT)?
What menu items will Fatburger in Okinawa offer (FAT)?
Where is the new Fatburger Okinawa located (FAT)?
How large is FAT Brands’ global footprint (FAT)?
