Value context and insight. lkm@koreatimes.co.kr
Lotteria raises burger prices as costs squeeze franchise operators
Lotteria's corporate logo / Courtesy of Lotteria
By Lee Kyung-min
Burgers at Lotteria will soon cost more.
The fast-food chain said Thursday it will raise prices on 22 burger menu items and other products beginning May 28, marking the company’s latest effort to cope with mounting pressure from rising costs and currency volatility.
Lotteria, operated by Lotte GRS under Chief Executive Lee Won-taek, said the overall increase would average 2.9 percent.
Its signature Ria Bulgogi Burger and Ria Shrimp Burger will each increase by 100 won ($0.07), bringing the standalone prices of both menu items to 5,100 won.
Lotteria said the move reflected growing financial strain tied to exchange rate fluctuations, prolonged global supply imbalances and rising logistics expenses.
The company also pointed to broader cost pressures, including higher labor expenses and delivery platform fees, though it said the latest adjustments were kept below those increases to limit the burden on customers.
Food and restaurant chains across Korea have faced mounting challenges in recent years as inflation, weak consumer spending and volatile import costs weigh on profitability.
Lotteria said the decision followed continued discussions with franchise operators and business associations, with protecting store owners’ profitability emerging as a key consideration.
A Lotte GRS official said the company sought to balance operational stability with consumer affordability as costs continued climbing across the industry.
“We decided to adjust prices after ongoing discussions with franchisee groups to protect franchise operators’ profits,” the official said.
The official added that Lotteria would continue offering discount promotions, including its Ria Lunch campaign, to help ease pressure on consumers while maintaining product quality and service standards.
This article was published with the assistance of generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.