Japanese Food Franchise Opportunities: How the Top Asian Food Franchises Stack Up

Looking to open a Japanese food franchise? Here’s a quick overview of the top Asian food franchises in the U.S. so you can see how they compare.

GETTING GLOBAL

American dining sensibilities have increasingly shifted toward a more global palate over the last several years, driven in large part by more diverse, adventurous, and savvy younger generations. For millennials and Gen Z, food from different corners of the world is not only gastronomically intriguing, but often perceived as being healthier than some traditional American cuisine.

Popular Asian restaurant franchises run the gamut from Korean barbecue to Thai to Chinese dumpling houses to curry and noodle shops and so much more. Even within an expansive global market, Japanese food franchises include sushi, tempura, ramen, teriyaki bowls and beyond. American diners have been won over by the range of flavorful possibilities Japanese restaurants have in store, allowing their tastebuds to transport them across the world.

While the Japanese restaurant market presents a compelling business opportunity for dedicated entrepreneurs, not all Japanese food franchise opportunities are created equal. It’s important to consider the fine print, sustainability, and growth potential with some of the segment’s hottest names.

TERIYAKI EXPERIENCE

Founded in 1986, Teriyaki Experience prides itself on delivering quality Japanese food made to order. With over 110 locations throughout Canada, parts of the U.S., Middle East, Europe, and Central America, Teriyaki Experience situates its shops in high-traffic areas such as shopping mall food courts.

Teriyaki Experience requires new franchisees to have a minimum net worth of $300,000 with at least $50,000 in liquid assets. The cost to invest in a franchise ranges between $265,000-$380,000 depending on location and other factors. New owners can expect to pay a $30,000 initial franchise fee.

POKEWORKS

This franchise bills itself as the nation’s largest and fastest growing poke franchise as well as the inventor of the poke burrito. What began with a single takeout location in Manhattan in 2015 has since expanded to over 40 franchise units around the country. Their business model’s ease of execution, flexible menu, and easy setup may appeal to many perspective investors.

The initial franchise fee to open a Pokeworks franchise is $35,000, while the total initial investment ranges between $259,000-$658,500.

WOK BOX

A Canadian owned and operated franchise since 2004 with over 50 locations, Wok Box focuses on creating distinctive dishes inspired by over ten different types of Asian cuisines. The brand creates customizable takeaway rice and noodle “boxes” made to order. While designed to support a portable, takeout style of dining, Wok Box also takes pride in creating a special in-store experience for diners and turning their franchisees into “WokStars.”

The estimated investment required to open a Wok Box franchise is between $350,000-$425,000. There is an initial franchise fee of $25,000 which grants you the license to run a business under the Wok Box name.

TERIYAKI MADNESS

Now for the pièce de résistance. (Okay, we may be a little biased, but we’re not wrong.) TMAD is one of the fastest growing big restaurant chains in the country, with our unique Seattle-style teriyaki bowls putting us ahead of the competition across three of the hottest food segments—Asian, chicken, and fast casual. Fresh and delicious food is customizable and prepared to order in our shops with a below-average footprint (1,200-1,600 square feet) and low overhead for owners. With an Average Unit Volume of $1.16 million*, you’d be crazy not to add TMAD to your growing portfolio.

The initial franchise fee to own a single TMAD location is $45,000, with a discounted rate for multiple shops. The total initial investment to own a TMAD franchise ranges from $346,400 to $768,760* which, combined with our winning concept and limitless growth potential, makes it no wonder why TMAD was voted No. 4 Best Franchise Deal by QSR, and recognized for excellence by numerous other industry experts.

OWN A TMAD

Franchising since 2005, TMAD has been growing steadily and has no plans of slowing down. If you’d like to get in on the Madness and seize this winning Japanese food franchise opportunity while you still can, download our free Franchise Report today.

*Refer to our latest Franchise Disclosure Document for details.