Korean burger franchise Lotteria is making aggressive moves in the global fast-food market. After a blockbuster U.S. debut in California this August, the chain has now confirmed its official entry into Singapore in February 2026.

A Strong Start in the U.S.

Lotteria, established in 1979 and now an icon in South Korea with more than 1,300 outlets, opened its first American store in Fullerton, Los Angeles, California. The pilot launch was a runaway success: over 500 people attended the soft opening, braving 30-degree heat to try Lotteria’s Korean-inspired burgers.

Social media buzz highlighted long queues, with fans eager to try items like:

• Bulgogi Burger Set ($12.77) and Shrimp Burger Set ($13.27) – top sellers on opening day
• Bibimbap Rice Burger – a creative nod to Korean cuisine
• Firebird Burger (Bulgogi + Shrimp) – revived for the U.S. market
• Korean-inspired sides such as K BBQ Fries and Sweet & Spicy Chicken Fries

While priced higher than in Korea, Lotteria’s offerings remain competitive with U.S. premium burger chains like Five Guys and Shake Shack.

The Fullerton location also reflects Lotteria’s cultural roots, from Korean-language signage to Seoul-inspired interior designs. Ahead of its grand opening, the brand hosted community events that attracted both nostalgic Korean customers and curious young locals.

Singapore Franchise Agreement Signed

On August 25, 2025, F&B and hospitality group Katrina Group announced that it has signed a franchise and development agreement with South Korea’s Lotte GRS. The deal will bring Lotteria to Singapore in February 2026, marking the brand’s next major international milestone.

Alan Goh, founder and CEO of Katrina Group, expressed confidence in the partnership:

“We are proud to take this next step with Lotte GRS in bringing Lotteria to Singapore. We believe Lotteria’s unique Korean-style offerings will resonate strongly with Singaporeans and further elevate our F&B portfolio.”

Cha Woo-chul, CEO of Lotte GRS, added:

“With Katrina Group’s strong track record in managing successful F&B brands in Singapore, we are confident that Lotteria will deliver an authentic Korean fast food experience to local consumers.”

The Singapore menu has yet to be revealed, but expectations are high given Lotteria’s signature fusion of Korean and Western flavors.

A Growing Global Footprint

Lotteria’s expansion is accelerating rapidly:

• Malaysia: entering later this year, with plans to scale to 30 outlets in the next five years.
• U.S.: first store in California opened in August 2025, with expansion potential in Asian-American hubs.
• Singapore: grand opening scheduled for February 2026 under Katrina Group.

This positions Lotteria as a serious contender in the global burger franchise landscape, alongside established giants.

Why This Matters for Burger Franchising

Lotteria’s story underscores how cultural fusion concepts—blending K-food with global favorites—can carve out strong demand in highly competitive markets. For investors, it’s proof that the U.S. and Southeast Asian burger markets still have room for innovation and global entrants.

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