AFURI is a health-conscious ramen brand named after Mount Afuri in Kanagawa Prefecture, symbolizing the gifts of nature and pure water.
This article introduces the appeal of AFURI as a franchise, key menu features, support available before and after opening, franchise fees, and basic information.
AFURI is a Japan-born ramen brand that continues to expand both domestically and internationally. The brand name comes from Mount Afuri in Kanagawa Prefecture and symbolizes respect for pure water and nature.
With ramen made using high-quality ingredients and skilled craftsmanship at its core, the brand has also expanded into major cities in the United States, including California and New York. Under the philosophy of “brightening the world through ramen,” the brand also focuses on building ties with local communities and promoting a sustainable food culture.
Starting with its signature Yuzu Shio Ramen, all dishes are made without artificial seasonings or preservatives, bringing out the full umami of natural ingredients.
With flavors that are supported by highly health-conscious customers, franchise locations can differentiate themselves as a brand that offers authentic ramen that is gentle on the body. They can also appeal to a wide range of customers, including those looking for vegan and gluten-free options.
In addition to ramen, franchise locations can offer a wide range of Japanese dishes that blend tradition and modernity, including sushi rolls, small plates, and desserts.
Because AFURI’s culinary team supports new menu development, restaurants can maintain consistently high quality while keeping customers from getting bored. Under the AFURI brand, restaurants can build a presence in the community as experiential Japanese restaurants that showcase Japanese food culture.
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
| New York | 5.0 out of 5.0 (as of October 9, 2025) |
|---|
No reviews were found on TripAdvisor.
| Franchise fee | $30,000 |
|---|---|
| Initial investment | $500,000 to $1,000,000 |
| Royalty | 5% of sales |
| Company Name | AFURI USA INC. |
|---|---|
| Total Number of Restaurants (Including Company-Operated Locations) | 31 locations (6 in the United States and 23 in Asia) Based on information from the official website as of December 9, 2025 |
| Address | 923 SE 7th Ave. Portland OR 97214 |
AFURI’s strengths are its reliability as a Japan-born brand and the strong name recognition it has built through success in major U.S. cities. Clean flavors, starting with the signature Yuzu Shio Ramen, and the ability to offer vegan options make it well suited to prospective franchisees who want to clearly differentiate from competitors in urban areas with many high-income residents and an openness to multiculturalism.
In addition, a restaurant-style, diverse menu lineup that goes beyond a ramen shop can also help raise the average check in suburbs with many families.
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/)
