In this episode of Room for Seconds, host Gregg Majewski welcomes Troy Hooper, CEO of Hot Palette America, to discuss the unique challenges and strategies of scaling a Japanese quick-service restaurant (QSR) brand in the U.S. and globally. From leveraging AI-driven marketing to reimagining supply chain efficiency and flavor profiles, Troy reveals the innovative steps his team has taken to bring this 30-year-old concept to new markets. Dive into their journey of balancing authenticity with modern adaptations, and learn how they’re building community while staying at the forefront of fast-casual dining trends. This is an episode packed with insights on leadership, growth, and staying relevant in a competitive industry.

Key Takeaways:

1. Pepper Lunch’s Unique Operational Model - Troy Hooper highlights how Pepper Lunch's unique operational model prioritizes simplicity and consistency. The concept eliminates the need for traditional cooking equipment by using electric hot plates, which double as the serving dish, enabling a streamlined process with no prep or skilled labor required.
2. Economic Pressures and Consumer Behavior - Inflation and economic uncertainty have forced many customers to cut back on dining out, leading to increased competition for fewer transactions. Fast-casual brands, such as Pepper Lunch, have seen success by offering perceived quality and customization at accessible price points, but traditional and fast-food establishments struggle to retain customers due to waning value propositions.
3. Leveraging AI for Marketing - Pepper Lunch is revolutionizing its marketing strategies by leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT and Jasper to create personalized, data-driven campaigns. This technology allows Pepper Lunch to generate tailored social media posts, blogs, and PR materials quickly and cost-effectively, while also analyzing customer behavior to refine its messaging. The result? Hyper-targeted marketing that resonates with their audience, boosts engagement, and keeps the brand ahead of the competition.

Episode Links:

• Visit Pepper Lunch Online
• Follow Pepper Lunch on X
• Follow Pepper Lunch on Instagram
• Follow Pepper Lunch on Facebook
• Follow Pepper Lunch on Tik Tok
• Connect with Pepper Lunch on LinkedIn
• Connect with Troy Hooper on LinkedIn

ABOUT TROY HOOPER

Troy Hooper is the Chief Executive Officer of Pepper Lunch North America, where he leads the iconic Japanese quick-service restaurant brand’s expansion across the U.S. and Canada. With more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality and restaurant industries, Troy has built a reputation for driving growth, operational excellence, and franchise success. His career includes leadership roles with brands like Hilton, where he achieved the prestigious AAA 4 Diamond rating and Hilton "Resort" designation, as well as delivering exceptional fiscal results in revenue and profitability across multiple organizations.

Troy’s deep expertise in franchising and operations is key to Pepper Lunch’s success in redefining fast-casual dining. By focusing on innovation, such as experiential dining and efficient supply chain strategies, he is positioning the brand as a standout in the competitive restaurant space. His leadership ensures Pepper Lunch continues to balance authenticity with modern adaptations, delivering high-quality, customizable meals that resonate with North American consumers.

ABOUT GREGG MAJEWSKI:

Gregg Majewski has a vast amount of experience as a corporate executive in the restaurant industry. As the former CEO of Jimmy John’s, he played a major role in expanding the franchise from 33 to 300+ stores in just 5 years by surrounding the company’s marketing strategy around the innovative approach of delivering sandwiches and being “freaky fast”. Majewski has worked to develop restaurant concepts over the last two plus decades, before starting Craveworthy Brands in 2023, which currently includes a growing portfolio of restaurant brands. Craveworthy Media is Majewski’s gift back to the industry that has given him so much. The goal of Craveworthy is to inspire the up and coming industry leaders by providing important information, stories, and insights from titans past and present.

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• Follow Gregg Majewski on Instagram
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• Visit Craveworthy Online
• Connect with Gregg Majewski on LinkedIn
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