This global ramen brand is known for its signature broth simmered for over 20 hours and its aged noodles, attracting fans with its pursuit of authentic Japanese flavors.
This article introduces JINYA’s key features as a franchise, its menu lineup, and its franchise fees, and explains the brand’s appeal and its potential as a business.
The company was founded by Japanese entrepreneur Tomonori Takahashi with the goal of bringing the taste of Japan to the world. In 2000, Mr. Takahashi operated a restaurant in Tokyo in a different segment, where he built up know-how in restaurant operations and flavor development cultivated in Japan. Building on that experience, in 2010, he expanded to California, USA, and opened the authentic ramen brand JINYA Ramen Bar.
Centered on its signature broth simmered for over 20 hours and house-made noodles, the brand has grown rapidly by faithfully preserving Japanese ramen culture while establishing itself in local markets. The brand operates 77 locations primarily in North America (as of a November 2025 survey) and has been recognized by publications such as Traveler’s Today and LA Weekly.
Using a signature broth simmered for over 20 hours as the base, JINYA offers six broth options. By combining the umami of pork bones, chicken bones, and vegetables with Japanese ingredients such as bonito flakes, kombu, and miso, JINYA achieves a deep, layered flavor. This lineup enables a diverse range of ramen offerings, including Tonkotsu Black, Chicken Yuzu Shio Delight, Tantanmen, Birria Ramen, and Vegan Miso.
After joining the franchise, these flavors can be replicated in accordance with headquarters recipes and operations. Because it can meet a wide range of preferences, it should help create a restaurant that is chosen by both first-time customers and repeat customers.
Another major appeal is the ability to offer a diverse menu centered on ramen, including small plates, pressed sushi, gyoza, tempura, rice bowls, salads, kids’ meals, and vegan and vegetarian options.
Vegan ramen made with Impossible™ meat is also strongly supported by health-conscious customers, making it possible to attract a wide range of customer segments, including families, after-work diners, and those looking for a light meal. As a restaurant that can be visited both day and night, it can more easily become established in the local community and build a stable base of repeat customers.
As illustrated above, it is essential to evaluate potential profitability based on cuisine characteristics and to ensure that operations are manageable.This website details the culinary features and support structures provided by each franchise brand. We also feature three carefully selected Japanese franchise brands based on regional suitability, so please be sure to review them as well.
Choose by area characteristics
Three Selected
Japanese Food Franchises
Not listed on the official website
Not listed on the official website
| Houston | 4.4 out of 5.0 (as of October 9, 2025) |
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JINYA is an authentic ramen shop that can be enjoyed by everyone from ramen beginners to ramen lovers. Based on the reviews, well-balanced menu items such as the Spicy Chicken and Tonkotsu Black are highly praised, and the selection of cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks is also extensive. The courteous service, fast food delivery, and comfortable atmosphere are also highly rated, and the restaurant is popular as a place where customers can casually enjoy authentic ramen.
Some customer reviews are shown below.
It was a delight for my colleague and I to find this place. I highly recommend the spicy chicken ramen. The “hot” was perfect for me. And there is a decent selection of cocktails and zero-proof drink options.
Great atmosphere. Great and really fast food delivery. I’m not a noodles person but enjoyed it. Emily was an excellent waiter. Did not discourage the use of a fork. Parking available in a free lot directly behind row of restaurants.
So I came to this place because the hotel recommended. I ordered tonkotsu black ramen. What an amazing food experience, the last time that I have a similar experience was at Ramen Underground in San Francisco.
| Franchise fee | $40,000 |
|---|---|
| Initial investment | JINYA Ramen Bar: $1,385,500 to $3,546,000 |
| Royalty | 5% of sales * Marketing fund: 1% |
| Company Name | JINYA Holdings, Inc. |
|---|---|
| Total Number of Restaurants (Including Company-Operated Locations) | 77 locations (63 in the United States and 0 in Asia) Based on information from the official website as of November 7, 2025 |
| Address | dba JINYA, Ramen Bar21045 Erwin Street, Suite 1A Woodland Hills, CA 91367 |
JINYA is a Japan-born authentic ramen brand that has enhanced its reputation in North America by focusing on its signature broth simmered for over 20 hours and its house-made noodles.
A key appeal is its wide lineup, including diverse broth options and vegan-friendly menu items, making it possible to serve offerings tailored to local needs. JINYA is well suited to those who want to strengthen customer traffic by leveraging the brand’s strength, as well as to those who want to replicate Japanese flavors while attracting a diverse customer base. The brand also fits well with expansion in urban areas, and it should be possible to aim for a stable base of repeat customers while becoming established in the local community.
This media platform also features three recommended Japanese franchise brands, carefully selected based on regional suitability. Please be sure to review them as well.
Choose by area characteristics
Three Selected
Japanese Food Franchises
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/)
