When it comes to burgers, the U.S. market is the ultimate test. Yet Lotteria, South Korea’s iconic burger chain, has proven it’s ready for the challenge—and is now setting its sights on even bigger global ambitions.
Founded in 1979, Lotteria has grown into a powerhouse with more than 1,300 outlets across South Korea. Known for its fusion of Korean flavors with classic Western-style burgers, the brand has long been a household name in Asia. Now, with recent expansions into the United States, Malaysia, and Singapore, Lotteria is emerging as a serious contender on the international burger stage.
Lotteria’s U.S. Debut
In August 2025, Lotteria opened its first American store in Fullerton, California—and the results were immediate. Over 500 visitors crowded the soft opening despite blistering heat, lining up for hours to try signature items like:
- Bulgogi Burger Set – a Korean twist on the classic beef burger
- Shrimp Burger Set – seafood flavor meets fast food convenience
- Bibimbap Rice Burger – inspired by Korea’s national dish
- Firebird Burger – a fan-favorite combination of bulgogi and shrimp
The launch drew attention on social media and positioned Lotteria as a fresh alternative in a market dominated by McDonald’s, Burger King, In-N-Out, Shake Shack, and Five Guys.
Next Stop: Singapore
On August 25, 2025, F&B operator Katrina Group officially signed a franchise and development agreement with Lotteria’s parent company, Lotte GRS.
The deal brings Lotteria to Singapore in February 2026, marking a new chapter in its international growth story. With Katrina Group’s track record of running successful brands such as Bali Thai and So Pho, Lotteria is expected to resonate strongly with Singaporeans eager for authentic K-food experiences.
Expanding Across Asia
Lotteria’s international expansion doesn’t stop there:
- Malaysia: entering later this year, with plans to expand to 30 stores within five years.
- Singapore: first outlet opening February 2026.
- United States: California flagship store already drawing big crowds.
With its unique blend of Korean culture, bold menu innovations, and franchise-ready systems, Lotteria is quickly becoming a model case study for how Asian brands can break into Western and global markets.
Why Lotteria Franchise Matters
For investors, Lotteria represents:
- Cultural differentiation in a saturated burger market
- Proven systems and support from parent company Lotte GRS
- Global momentum with multiple international markets already secured
It’s an exciting time to watch Lotteria’s progress—and an even better time for franchisees to explore opportunities in this fast-growing segment.
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The burger franchise landscape is evolving—and Lotteria is proof of the opportunities that exist beyond the traditional giants. Let BurgerFranchiseMaster.com guide you to the next big burger success.
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