Ramen Franchises & Related Restaurant Ideas

Consider yourself a ramen enthusiast? Owning a specialty ramen restaurant may seem like the right move for you. But before you invest, learn more about ramen noodle eateries and what other franchise opportunities may be smarter alternatives.

Pros and Cons of Ramen Franchises

Prior to making any type of investment, it’s important to consider the benefits and drawbacks of the business concept:

Pros of a ramen franchise:

• Popularity: The ramen restaurant market has seen growth over the last few years, reaching a revenue of $1.6 billion in 2024.
• Customization: With different broths, toppings, and noodle types, customers can create countless combinations – satisfying any craving.
• Established processes: Franchise brands have streamlined operations, strong brand presence, and training and support programs to ensure their franchisees are set up for success.

Cons of a ramen franchise:

• Competition: With instant ramen readily available, consumers may not want to dine at a restaurant for a meal they can make at home – even if it’s not the same level of quality.
• Quality control: Investing in high-quality, fresh ingredients can raise your inventory and operating costs.
• Labor intensive: Ramen is a quick and easy meal, leading to strong customer turnover. However, it can be tough to find staff that can handle a high volume of customers during peak hours.

Alternative Investment Opportunities

If you’re interested in owning an Asian fusion concept or a Japanese franchise restaurant but feel that ramen isn’t the best fit, there are plenty of other options to explore:

1. Poke bowl franchises: Poke bowls continue to grow in popularity due to the use of fresh, healthy ingredients. Poke bowl franchises appeal to those seeking a customizable and quick meal without sacrificing quality or nutritional value.
2. Korean BBQ franchises: Korean BBQ restaurants deliver an interactive dining experience that’s perfect for small groups and large parties. With tabletop grilling and a variety of meats, sides, and sauces, these franchises create a fun, social atmosphere for customers.
3. Bubble tea cafés: The boba, or bubble, tea craze shows no signs of slowing down. Pairing tea-based beverages with add-ons like tapioca pearls, jellies, and popping boba, these cafés host a vibrant menu that appeals to both younger consumers and adventurous foodies.
4. Sushi bars: Sushi has been a long-time favorite in the restaurant industry, offering both dine-in and takeout options. With a menu centered on sushi rolls, sashimi, and bento boxes, sushi bars cater to a health-conscious and diverse clientele.
5. Japanese desserts: Specialty dessert franchises cater to a niche market with treats like mochi, taiyaki, and fluffy Japanese cheesecakes. These unique desserts are perfect for attracting younger customers and dessert enthusiasts while standing out in a competitive industry.
6. Teriyaki restaurants: With menu staples like bowls, skewers, and plates, teriyaki restaurants appeal to a wide audience seeking flavorful meals. Reputable franchise brands like Teriyaki Madness offer a great business opportunity for both experienced and first-time franchisees.

Join the Madness

For over 20 years we’ve been helping entrepreneurs open their own Japanese-inspired restaurants. Now, with more than 160 locations across the country, we’re eager to continue growing our concept.

We’ve earned many accolades, ranking No. 347 on Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500, No. 137 on the Top Brands for Multi-Unit Owners list, and No. 133 on the Top Franchises for Veterans ranking.

But awards aren’t everything. The numbers prove our concept works. Our average unit volume (AUV) is $1.09 million*. And, we’ve seen 34%* stacked same shop sales growth from 2020 to 2023.

Interested franchise candidates should have a net worth of $600,000 and at least $150,000 in liquidity to qualify for a Teriyaki Madness franchise. To learn more about our franchise opportunity, download our franchise report today.

*Please refer to Item 19 of our FDD for more information.