Menya Takejiro is a Japanese tsukemen specialty restaurant operated by ab-out Corporation. Although the brand currently has only one location in Japan and no overseas restaurants, it is recruiting franchise partners for future expansion. This guide introduces the company behind the brand, its franchise advantages, support system, customer reviews, and basic business information.
Menya Takejiro is operated by ab-out Corporation, a restaurant company headquartered in Sapporo, Hokkaido. The company is widely known as the operator of Hokkaido Ramen Santouka, which has expanded through company-owned and franchise restaurants in North America, Asia, and other international markets.
Unlike Santouka, Menya Takejiro currently operates only one restaurant in Sendai and has not yet expanded overseas. However, ab-out Corporation is recruiting franchise partners for the brand, offering investors the opportunity to introduce its tsukemen concept to new markets while benefiting from the company's international franchise experience.
Menya Takejiro focuses on authentic Japanese tsukemen featuring thick noodles and a rich dipping broth. The menu also includes ramen and abura soba, allowing the brand to appeal to a broad customer base while maintaining a simple and efficient operating style.
Menya Takejiro offers a distinctive franchise opportunity centered on authentic Japanese tsukemen. Although the brand currently operates only one restaurant in Sendai and has not yet expanded overseas, it is backed by ab-out Corporation, the company behind Hokkaido Ramen Santouka. Santouka has successfully expanded across North America and Asia, demonstrating the company's ability to support international franchise operations. Customers appreciate Menya Takejiro for its thick noodles, rich dipping broth, and carefully prepared menu, making it an attractive concept for markets seeking authentic Japanese cuisine.
Menya Takejiro features a focused menu of tsukemen, ramen, and abura soba, allowing restaurants to maintain efficient kitchen operations without sacrificing quality. A limited number of core menu items helps simplify ingredient management, staff training, and food preparation while delivering a consistent dining experience. Supported by the operational expertise developed through Santouka's global restaurant network, franchisees can benefit from established management know-how while introducing a unique Japanese noodle brand to customers in their region.
Matching Your Location
3 Recommended
Japanese Food Franchise Brands
| Restaurant | Tripadvisor Rating | Research Date |
|---|---|---|
| Menya Takejiro (Sendai) | 4.0 / 5.0 | As of July 2026 |
Source: Tripadvisor
Menya Takejiro currently operates a single restaurant in Sendai and has not yet expanded overseas. Despite its limited footprint, it has earned favorable customer reviews for its rich tsukemen broth, chewy noodles, generous portions, and efficient service. These qualities have helped the restaurant build a loyal local following. Although Menya Takejiro is still in the early stages of expansion, ab-out Corporation's experience operating the internationally successful Hokkaido Ramen Santouka brand provides a strong operational foundation for future franchise development.
"A Tsukemen Specialty Restaurant"
"This restaurant mainly specializes in tsukemen, but it also offers ramen and abura soba for customers looking for other noodle dishes."
"Great Tsukemen and Abura Soba"
"The restaurant has around 12 counter seats and four table seats. Tsukemen and abura soba are the main attractions, while a limited number of ramen bowls are also available. Customers can choose either a free large serving of noodles or complimentary rice with their tsukemen."
"Sometimes There's a Line"
"There is occasionally a line outside the restaurant, but service is quick, so the wait is usually short. The standard noodle portion is generous, and customers with smaller appetites may prefer ordering a smaller serving."
Source: Tripadvisor Reviews
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | Not publicly disclosed |
| Initial Investment | Not publicly disclosed |
| Royalty | Not publicly disclosed |
Source: ab-out Corporation Franchise Information
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Company Name | ab-out Corporation | Total Number of Restaurants (Including Company-Operated Locations) | 1 Menya Takejiro restaurant in Japan (as of July 2026). The operator, ab-out Corporation, also manages the internationally expanded Hokkaido Ramen Santouka brand with locations across North America, Asia, and other regions. |
| Address | 6-1 Building 2, 1-5-3 Minami 6-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0806, Japan |
Menya Takejiro offers a distinctive franchise opportunity centered on authentic Japanese tsukemen. Although the brand currently operates only one restaurant in Sendai and has no overseas locations, ab-out Corporation is actively recruiting franchise partners for future expansion. The company has already demonstrated its international expertise through Hokkaido Ramen Santouka, which operates restaurants across North America and Asia. Franchisees can benefit from this proven operational experience while introducing a unique Japanese noodle concept to their local market. For entrepreneurs seeking a specialized ramen business supported by an experienced franchisor, Menya Takejiro is a brand worth considering.
Matching Your Location
3 Recommended
Japanese Food Franchise Brands
Even within Japanese food, the most receptive customer segments vary by genre. This section introduces recommended Japanese food genres based on the characteristics of the prospective area, along with Japanese franchise brands that already operate locations in the United States. The focus is on the food that can be offered by joining each franchise brand.
Gyu-Kaku delivers authenticity through certified Japanese A5 Wagyu. By also featuring USDA Prime beef, they offer steakhouse-quality dining at accessible prices.
From import to processing, Japanese staff strictly manage quality at every step, delivering the same authentic flavor found in premium yakiniku restaurants in Japan.
| Franchise fee | $50,000 |
|---|---|
| Initial investment | Approx. $1,215,444 to $2,606,540 |
| Royalty | 5% on annual sales up to approx. $1,500,000 4.5% on annual sales from approx. $1,500,000 to $2,000,000 4% on annual sales over approx. $2,000,000 |
| Number of restaurants | 825 worldwide (including 63 in the United States and 580 in Asia) |
| TripAdvisor rating | 4.3 out of 5.0 (442 reviews)*2 |
A wide range of toppings, from chicken katsu to omelets, ensures a fresh experience every visit, driving strong customer loyalty.
In addition to toppings, customers can adjust rice portions and spice levels, making the menu enjoyable for those who prefer milder flavors as well as those who want larger portions.
| Initial franchise fee | $40,000 |
|---|---|
| Initial investment | Not listed |
| Royalty | Not listed |
| Number of restaurants | 1,480 worldwide (including 11 in the United States and 1,467 in Asia) |
| TripAdvisor rating | 4.3 out of 5.0 (41 reviews)*3 |
As a popular chain with 861 locations in Japan*1, franchisees are able to consistently serve udon noodles with a firm, chewy texture, supported by the headquarters after opening.
The noodle-making, boiling, and cooling processes are demonstrated in an open kitchen, allowing customers to enjoy a freshly made, live dining experience.
| Franchise fee | $40,000 to $64,000 |
|---|---|
| Initial investment | $1,126,500 to $1,980,000 |
| Royalty | 5% of sales |
| Number of restaurants | 1,188 worldwide (including 23 in the United States and 1,155 in Asia) |
| TripAdvisor rating | 4.5 out of 5.0 (108 reviews)*4 |
*1 Source: Marugame Udon official website(https://jp.marugame.com/shop/), as of a December 2025 survey
*2 TripAdvisor: New York City location, as of October 28, 2025(https://www.tripadvisor.jp/Restaurant_Review-g60763-d3175593-Reviews-Gyu_Kaku_Japanese_BBQ-New_York_City_New_York.html)
*3 TripAdvisor: Irvine location, as of October 28, 2025(https://www.tripadvisor.jp/Restaurant_Review-g32530-d9750729-Reviews-Coco_Ichibanya-Irvine_California.html)
*4 TripAdvisor: Los Angeles location, as of October 28, 2025(https://www.tripadvisor.jp/Restaurant_Review-g32655-d4019757-Reviews-Marugame_Monzo-Los_Angeles_California.html)
* TripAdvisor ratings are based on the highest-rated U.S. location.
*The number of restaurants is based on the following references. As of a December 2025 survey
Gyu-Kaku official website(https://www.gyukaku.ne.jp/world.php)
CoCo Ichibanya official website(https://www.ichibanya.co.jp/comp/ir/finance/highlight/graph01.html)
Marugame Udon official website(https://jp.marugame.com/shop/)
