Fatburger Returns to Japan with New Development Deal in Okinawa
Rhea-AI Summary
FAT Brands (NASDAQ: FAT), owner of Fatburger and 17 other restaurant concepts, has announced its return to Japan through a new development agreement with Green Micro Factory Inc. The partnership will establish four Fatburger locations in Okinawa over the next five years, with the first restaurant scheduled to open by the end of 2025.
The strategic expansion targets Okinawa's strong tourism sector and military base presence. Fatburger, known for its customizable burgers and menu items including Fat and Skinny Fries, hand-scooped milkshakes, and Impossible™ Burgers, will bring its full offering to the Japanese market. This expansion marks a significant step in FAT Brands' international growth strategy, with the company currently operating over 2,300 units worldwide across its 18 restaurant brands.
Positive
- Strategic expansion into Okinawa leveraging tourism and military base traffic
- Secured development agreement for 4 new locations over 5 years
- First location opening within 2025, showing quick execution
- Part of larger planned expansion across Japan
Negative
- Relatively small initial development deal of only 4 locations
- Extended 5-year timeline for full deployment of locations
News Market Reaction – FAT
On the day this news was published, FAT declined 0.99%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction. Our momentum scanner triggered 2 alerts that day, indicating moderate trading interest and price volatility. This price movement removed approximately $351K from the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $35M at that time.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Iconic All-American Burger Chain to Open Four Locations in Okinawa Over The Next Five Years
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc., parent company of Fatburger and 17 other restaurant concepts, announces a new partnership with Green Micro Factory Inc. to bring the beloved burger brand back to Japan. Four locations will open in Okinawa over the next five years, with the first unit slated to open before the end of the year.
“Okinawa presents a strategic opportunity for our return to Japan with its robust tourism and steady foot traffic generated by its military base presence,” said Taylor Wiederhorn, Chief Development Officer of FAT Brands. “We see our debut in Okinawa as the first step in our broader growth across the country as we look to win locals over with our custom-built burgers, Fat and Skinny Fries, hand-scooped milkshakes, and more.”
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.
For more information on Fatburger, visit www.fatburger.com.
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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™.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements relating to the timing and performance of new store openings and area development agreements. Forward-looking statements reflect expectations of FAT Brands Inc. (“we” or “our”) concerning the future and are subject to significant business, economic and competitive risks, uncertainties and contingencies. These factors are difficult to predict and beyond our control, and could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. We refer you to the documents that we file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, such as our reports on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K, for a discussion of these and other factors. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Erin Mandzik, FAT Brands
emandzik@fatbrands.com
860-212-6509
FAQ
How many Fatburger locations will open in Okinawa, Japan?
Why did FAT Brands choose Okinawa for Fatburger's return to Japan?
What is FAT Brands' (NASDAQ: FAT) current global presence?
Who is FAT Brands' development partner for the Okinawa expansion?
What menu items will Fatburger offer in its Okinawa locations?
