Restaurant staff handed out umbrellas and water to patrons waiting in the long line.

The debut of Lotteria, the iconic Japanese-Korean fast-food brand, drew a crowd of eager patrons on W. Orangethorpe as they lined up with black umbrellas to shield themselves from the summer sun. The grand opening of the restaurant, located at 150 W. Orangethorpe, was marked by excitement and anticipation, with the official event scheduled for August 15 and 16.

In a thoughtful gesture, restaurant staff provided umbrellas and water to customers waiting in line, ensuring their comfort as they awaited their turn to experience Lotteria’s unique offerings. This marks Lotteria’s first launch in the United States, adding to its impressive portfolio of over 1,300 restaurants across Korea and an additional 300 locations in Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar, Laos, and Mongolia.

The diverse menu features a range of items, including Bulgogi and Shrimp burgers, K-BBQ and chicken bowls, French fries, chicken nuggets, and even a Redbean Slushi. For a sneak peek of the menu, interested customers can visit www.lotteriausa.com.

The establishment of Lotteria’s U.S. subsidiary by Lotte Group’s food franchise arm, Lotte GRS, took place in California in the first half of last year, paving the way for this long-awaited opening. Positioned in a large shopping center that includes popular outlets such as Walmart and Costco, Lotteria in Fullerton is strategically located to attract shoppers and food enthusiasts, particularly in an area known for its vibrant Korean community.

Photo by Mike Ritto

Photo by Mike Ritto

The line stretched down Orangethorpe toward Harbor.