RAKKAN RAMEN

Originating in Japan, this franchise brand has established a unique style based on the concept that “broth is the soul of cuisine,” specializing in plant-based ramen made without any animal-based ingredients. This article summarizes the appeal of RAKKAN RAMEN as a franchise, key menu features, and the support provided.

About RAKKAN USA Franchise, LLC: Operator of RAKKAN RAMEN

Image source: RAKKAN RAMEN official website
(https://rakkanramen.com/locations/dtla/)

RAKKAN RAMEN is a ramen brand founded in Nishi-Azabu, Tokyo, in 2011. This brand has established a unique style based on the concept that “broth is the soul of cuisine,” specializing in plant-based ramen made without any animal-based ingredients. Starting from a small bar with only a few seats, the brand grew in popularity in Japan and overseas alongside rising health consciousness, and it is gaining attention as one of the Japan-born ramen brands that has grown rapidly in the United States.

The brand first entered the United States in 2017, opening its first location in Los Angeles. After that, the brand expanded aggressively into major cities on the West and East Coasts and now operates more than 10 locations across the United States (*). Its plant-based broth is supported by vegan, vegetarian, and health-conscious consumers, and it serves as a key point of differentiation not found in other ramen shops centered on tonkotsu or chicken paitan broths.

RAKKAN USA Franchise, LLC has built the foundations for franchise expansion in the United States, establishing an infrastructure for location development, operations support, and marketing. As a next-generation ramen brand with strong growth potential in the United States, the brand is moving forward with multi-unit expansion.

The Value of Franchising
with RAKKAN RAMEN

Image source: RAKKAN RAMEN official website
(https://rakkanramen.com/franchise-information/)

Plant-based Golden Broth
That Helps Set the Brand Apart

What sets RAKKAN RAMEN decisively apart from other ramen brands is that it has built a solid position in the United States market by leveraging its unique plant-based golden broth. The broth, carefully extracting umami from natural ingredients such as kombu, dried shiitake mushrooms, and vegetables, has a deep richness that is hard to believe comes with no animal-based ingredients, and it is also praised in the United States as a light yet satisfying ramen.

This clear plant-based point of differentiation fits extremely well with the healthy food market that has been expanding in the United States in recent years, allowing the brand to carve out its own position even within the highly competitive ramen category. As a result, being able to acquire repeat customers and establish a competitive edge in regional markets is a significant advantage.

A Menu Lineup That Attracts a Wide Range of Customers and Encourages Multiple Use Occasions

The menu offerings are not limited to ramen. In addition to classic Japanese appetizers such as gyoza, karaage, and edamame, a wide range of vegan menu items can also be offered. This makes it possible to attract customers whose reason for visiting goes beyond ramen alone, making it a business format that is also strong for group visits by families and friends.

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.

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RAKKAN RAMEN Support Overview

Before opening

• Site research and candidate site approval
• Provision of location layout and kitchen drawings
• Review of and advice on construction drawings
• 15-day initial training (operations, cooking, hygiene, POS)
• Provision of manuals (operations and recipes)
• Support for opening advertising
• Supplier introductions and guidance on initial inventory ordering

At opening

• On-site support from headquarters staff
• Confirmation of menu and hygiene standards

After opening

• Regular supervisor visits
• Use of a national advertising fund (1% of sales)
• Provision of local advertising templates
• Online updates to manuals and promotional materials
• Support for menu and recipe revisions
• Quality and brand audits
• Certified supplier management and logistics coordination
• IT support for POS, inventory, and online orders: $500/month (approx. ¥73,500/month)

Customer Feedback
on RAKKAN RAMEN

Tripadvisor rating

Based on the reviews, its product appeal, which is clearly differentiated from traditional ramen formats centered on animal-based broths, is highly praised. In the health-conscious U.S. market, this combination of plant-based and Japanese ramen is a powerful differentiator that could see even stronger demand going forward. Many reviews also highly rate not only the taste but the service and atmosphere, noting that “the staff are courteous,” “the dining space is calm and welcoming for women dining alone,” and “when customers bring friends or family, everyone likes it and wants to come back.” This shows that the restaurant is supported not only as “delicious ramen,” but also as “a place chosen for its atmosphere.”

Overall, RAKKAN RAMEN has three strengths: “differentiated flavor,” “capturing the health-conscious trend,” and “brand strength that is chosen by a wide range of customers,” making it a highly competitive brand for franchise expansion in the United States. For those considering franchising with RAKKAN RAMEN, it could be a promising option.

Some customer reviews are shown below.

A Delicious Ramen Place I Visit Frequently

I have tried plenty of ramen places in Los Angeles, even the ones that are known for being the top choices, but Rakkan is definitely the best. The vegan options are plentiful and genuinely delicious, not just an alternative menu. Their vegetable-based broth is rich in minerals and has a depth that is different from animal-based broths.

The in-store music is pleasant, creating a relaxing atmosphere for diners to enjoy their meals. Their customer service is kind and sheer perfection. They always welcome us with a smile. Their prices are reasonable for the amount of food given. Once you eat here, you’re pretty much good for the entire day.

I’ve come here on several occasions, and their Amber Soy Sauce Ramen has won me over completely. Everyone that I have brought here, not only agrees this is the best place for ramen, but wishes to return again. Rakkan is easily the best ramen in all of Los Angeles.

Surprising Vegetable-Based Ramen

The ramen there is amazing.

The broth is excellent and vegetable based. I had the amber soy sauce with chicken.

The Taste and Customer Service Were Both Exceptional

We spent a couple days in LA, and this was the best meal of our trip. We had the Amber and Ruby ramen, pork gyoza, and pork and chicken buns. Everything was yummy - we chowed down. The staff was friendly and fast. Wished we had this at home.

Costs Associated
with Opening and Franchising
a RAKKAN RAMEN Restaurant

Basic Information
on RAKKAN RAMEN

Summary by the Editorial Team

RAKKAN RAMEN is gaining attention as one of the few “next-generation ramen brands” experiencing rapid growth in the U.S. market. With its plant-based broth as a key strength, RAKKAN RAMEN fits well with areas where health consciousness is high and with multicultural communities, and it is particularly well suited to opening locations in urban areas with many high-income and health-conscious customers.

In addition, because the brand has a strong worldview and a high level of consistency in menu development and restaurant design, it can be described as an attractive franchise for operators who want to expand awareness in a short period of time.

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