FAT Brands partners with Green Micro Factory to relaunch Fatburger in Japan with ambitious expansion plans in Asia

JAPAN – Global franchising company FAT Brands has teamed up with Green Micro Factory Inc. to reintroduce its popular fast-casual chain Fatburger in Japan.

The first outlet is scheduled to open before the end of 2025 in Okinawa, with plans to develop four restaurants in the region by 2030.

Taylor Wiederhorn, FAT Brands Chief Development Officer, called Okinawa a strategic gateway for the brand’s Japanese comeback, highlighting its robust tourism sector and consistent foot traffic from U.S. military base personnel.

FAT Brands aims to establish a strong foothold across Okinawa with a focus on winning local customers through its customizable, cooked-to-order burgers.

The menu boasts signature items, including “Fat” and “Skinny” fries, hand-breaded crispy chicken sandwiches, turkeyburgers, and hand-scooped milkshakes made with 100 percent real ice cream.

Founded in Los Angeles in 1952, Fatburger has earned a reputation for quality, customizable burgers and hearty portion sizes.

The brand is part of FAT Brands’ diverse portfolio of 18 restaurant concepts spanning over 2,300 global locations, including Johnny Rockets, Round Table Pizza, and Elevation Burger.

FAT Brands has been actively growing its footprint worldwide, with recent international openings including a co-branded Round Table Pizza and Fatburger restaurant in Rancho Cordova, California, and plans to open up to 40 Fatburger locations in Florida by 2034 through a new deal with franchisee Whole Factor.

The company’s broader Asian strategy mirrors its intent to capture emerging markets by partnering with local operators. Alongside Japan, FAT Brands is eyeing expansion in China, planning dozens of new units in key urban centers to tap into growing fast-casual demand.

FAT Brands’ focus on menu innovation, customization, and quality, combined with strategic local market partnerships, supports its goal of becoming a top fast-casual burger player worldwide.

The estimated $4 million initial investment for Okinawa exemplifies the company’s commitment to sustained, regionally tailored growth.

This Japan relaunch signals FAT Brands’ confidence in expanding international market share by blending acclaimed American fast-casual concepts with localized approaches to dining preferences and demographic dynamics around tourism hubs and military communities.

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