South Korea’s beloved fast-food chain LOTTERIA has officially landed in the United States, opening its first-ever American location in Fullerton, California, on August 14. The new 2,300-square-foot drive-thru restaurant introduces “K-Burgers” to U.S. consumers, combining familiar American fast-food formats with uniquely Korean flavors.
The launch is the result of nearly two years of preparation after parent company LOTTE GRS established its U.S. subsidiary in 2023. Fullerton, a vibrant hub in Orange County with a strong Korean-American community, was chosen as the first site to test the brand’s appeal to both Korean food fans and curious first-time visitors. During its three-day soft opening from August 11–13, LOTTERIA drew crowds of more than 500 visitors daily, with lines forming as early as 5 a.m. ahead of the official debut.
At the grand opening ceremony, LOTTE GRS CEO Woochul Cha joined Fullerton Mayor Fred Jung and representatives from the Korean Consulate in Los Angeles to cut the ribbon and welcome customers. Guests sampled the chain’s signature menu items, which include Bulgogi and Shrimp burgers, a Bibimbap Burger, and six Korean-inspired side dishes. Cha described the milestone as “bringing the K-Burger to the home of the hamburger,” signaling the company’s intent to carve out a niche in the crowded U.S. fast-food scene.
The reaction has already spilled beyond Fullerton’s city limits. Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are filling up with early reviews from food vloggers and locals eager to share their first impressions. Many posts highlight LOTTERIA’s Bulgogi Burger as a standout item, while others focus on the novelty of pairing fast-food classics with flavors rooted in Korean cuisine. Some reviewers even suggested the brand could become the “next Korean food craze” in the U.S. after K-BBQ and Korean fried chicken.
For LOTTE GRS, the U.S. debut is more than a single-store experiment. The company operates over 320 LOTTERIA stores across Southeast Asia and recently expanded into Malaysia, with plans to use its California launch as a stepping stone for broader global growth. If the early buzz in Fullerton is any indication, K-Burgers may soon become the latest Korean export to capture the American palate.
