They are here!
Korea’s leading fast-food chain Lotteria has officially entered the U.S. market. On August 14, Lotteria GRS opened its first American branch in Fullerton, California, marking a major milestone in the company’s overseas expansion.
The grand opening ceremony drew more than 100 guests, including Fullerton Mayor Fred Jung, Los Angeles Korean Chamber of Commerce Chairman Sang Bong Jung, and officials from the Korean Consulate General in LA. Despite the 10 a.m. opening time, over 200 customers had already lined up by 9 a.m., with some reportedly arriving as early as 6:30 a.m.
The Fullerton location is offering signature Korean menu items such as the Bulgogi Burger, Shrimp Burger, and Rice Burger. To maintain quality and adapt to local tastes, most ingredients will be sourced domestically in the U.S., while shrimp will be supplied directly from Lotteria’s Vietnam operations.
“We are deeply grateful to everyone who supported the opening of our first U.S. store,” said Lotteria GRS CEO Woo-Chul Cha. “Our mission of sharing happiness and joy through food has already touched customers in Southeast Asia, and we will bring the same spirit to the American market.”
Mayor Fred Jung welcomed the opening, saying, “We are excited to see Lotteria choose Fullerton for its first U.S. store. Maybe the second one should be here too,” drawing laughter from the crowd.
According to Lotteria U.S. head Jeong-Wook Lee, the company spent the past three years searching for the right location. “Fullerton is strategically attractive, and this site gives us a strong foundation for long-term success,” he explained. The restaurant is located at a shopping center formerly occupied by KFC, under a 20-year lease.
To celebrate the launch, Lotteria gave away stainless-steel tumblers to the first 100 customers and T-shirts to others. One Korean customer living in Fullerton said, “I grew up eating the Shrimp Burger in Korea, and I’m excited to finally have it again here in my neighborhood.” Another visitor, who drove 40 minutes from Costa Mesa, added, “I’ve seen Lotteria in K-dramas, so I wanted to try it myself—it’s already becoming a big topic among my neighbors.”
Even Fullerton police officers on duty tried the burgers. “It was unique and different from what we’re used to. We’ll definitely be back during our meal breaks,” one officer said.
The Lotteria Fullerton branch is located at 150 W Orangethorpe Ave, Fullerton, CA 92832, and operates daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
