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

Insights

Restaurant Industry Analyst

FAT Brands' small Japan expansion (4 locations) provides minimal financial impact but establishes strategic foothold in Asia for future growth.

FAT Brands is re-entering the Japanese market with a modest development deal to open four Fatburger locations in Okinawa over five years. While this expansion represents less than 0.2% of FAT Brands' current global footprint of over 2,300 units, the strategic positioning in Okinawa is noteworthy.

The company has intelligently targeted Okinawa for its dual revenue streams - capturing both tourism dollars and consistent traffic from U.S. military personnel stationed at bases there. This location provides a controlled test market with built-in American brand familiarity that can reduce initial market entry risks.

From a financial perspective, this deal's direct impact will be minimal. With 18 restaurant concepts in their portfolio, adding four Fatburger locations represents a fractional contribution to overall revenue. However, the true value lies in establishing an operational foothold in Asia that can facilitate broader Japanese expansion later, as explicitly stated in their growth strategy.

The timing before year-end for the first location suggests confidence in their supply chain readiness and regulatory approval process. By partnering with Green Micro Factory Inc., FAT Brands is following the standard franchise model that has enabled their expansion to 2,300+ units globally without significant capital expenditure, allowing them to generate franchise fees and ongoing royalty income with limited downside risk.

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?

Four Fatburger locations will open in Okinawa over the next five years, with the first restaurant scheduled to open before the end of 2025.

Why did FAT Brands choose Okinawa for Fatburger's return to Japan?

Okinawa was chosen for its robust tourism industry and steady foot traffic from military base presence, making it a strategic location for the brand's return to Japan.

What is FAT Brands' (NASDAQ: FAT) current global presence?

FAT Brands operates 18 restaurant brands with over 2,300 units worldwide, including brands such as Fatburger, Round Table Pizza, Johnny Rockets, and Twin Peaks.

Who is FAT Brands' development partner for the Okinawa expansion?

Green Micro Factory Inc. is partnering with FAT Brands to develop the four Fatburger locations in Okinawa, Japan.

What menu items will Fatburger offer in its Okinawa locations?

Fatburger will offer its full menu including custom-built burgers, Fat and Skinny Fries, hand-scooped milkshakes, Impossible™ Burgers, turkeyburgers, and hand-breaded crispy chicken sandwiches.