4 days ago
South Korea's Biggest Burger Chain Just Opened Its First U.S. Location in Orange County
is an editor of the Southern California/Southwest region, who covers the evolving landscape of LA's food scene.
Lotteria, a major Japanese-Korean fast-food chain with locations across South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and more, just opened its first U.S. location in Fullerton in Orange County. The restaurant debuts today, August 11, with limited hours; a wider grand opening is planned for August 14.
Lotteria was founded in 1972 by South Korean businessman Shin Kyuk-ho; its first location opened the same year in Japan. By 1977, Lotteria had more than 100 locations, and expanded to South Korea just two years later in 1979. Today, South Korea is Lotteria's biggest market with around 1,300 locations in the country. The chain, which has more than 1,600 locations around the world, may be best known for its unique fast-food dishes such as marinated bulgogi burgers, shrimp burgers, and fried chicken. The name is a portmanteau of Lotte (its parent company) and cafeteria.
Fullerton's Lotteria has yet to announce its full menu, but its Instagram account has been teasing the famous shrimp and bulgogi burgers, alongside the Jeonju Bibimbap Rice Burger, served on gochujang-seasoned rice patties. Other fan-favorite menu items like the fried chicken (both by itself and in sandwiches) and mozzarella sticks will likely make appearances. Lotteria is also known for tailoring its menu to its location, so Southern California-based lovers of the restaurant should keep an eye out for Fullerton exclusives.
Lotteria is just the latest Asia-based business that has expanded to the U.S. Just this year alone, South Korea-based dessert cafe, Knotted, opened at Westfield Century City, while prolific Japanese bakery Bread, Espresso & landed in the South Bay. So far, these openings have been met with fervent excitement and long lines, leaving little mystery as to why Lotteria picked Southern California for its first U.S. location.
Lotteria Fullerton opens on August 11 with limited hours at 150 W. Orangethorpe Avenue, Fullerton, CA 92832.
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