Ramen Arashi is a Canadian ramen brand known for serving authentic Japanese ramen inspired by regional styles from Japan. With multiple locations across Alberta and British Columbia, the company is expanding through franchising while focusing on quality ingredients, efficient operations, and memorable guest experiences.
Ramen Arashi operates and franchises its own restaurant brand throughout Canada. As of 2026, the company operates locations in Banff, Canmore, Calgary, Victoria, Kelowna, Langford, and Banff Express. The brand does not currently operate restaurants in the United States, but it actively seeks franchise partners and states its intention to continue expanding into new markets.
According to the company, its founders developed recipes designed to bring several regional Japanese ramen styles together within a single menu. Ramen Arashi emphasizes authentic flavors, a strong guest experience, and a simplified operational model supported by established suppliers. The company's franchise program combines hands-on restaurant training with ongoing operational support, allowing franchisees to focus on delivering consistent quality while benefiting from an established business system.
Ramen Arashi positions itself as a brand focused on authentic Japanese ramen and strong customer satisfaction. The company highlights its established locations, profitable operating history, and growing customer base across Western Canada. Rather than specializing in a single ramen style, the menu incorporates multiple regional influences developed by the founders.
The franchise system is designed for entrepreneurs who may not have prior restaurant experience. The company specifically notes that franchisees are trained through hands-on work in existing restaurants and supported throughout the launch process. This allows new operators to learn proven systems rather than developing recipes and procedures independently.
One of the key advantages promoted by Ramen Arashi is operational simplicity. The company explains that ramen preparation relies on established suppliers and straightforward kitchen equipment, helping reduce complexity compared with many full-service restaurant concepts.
Franchisees receive in-person training, location assistance, operational guidance, and ongoing support after opening. The company also reports average first-year revenues ranging from CAD $900,000 to $1.1 million and average profit margins between 17% and 23%, providing prospective franchisees with a clear picture of the business model's potential performance.
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| Store | Rating | Survey Date |
|---|---|---|
| Ramen Arashi (Banff, Alberta, Canada) | 4.7 / 5 | June 2026 |
Source:
Tripadvisor
Ramen Arashi's Banff location has earned strong customer ratings on Tripadvisor. Reviewers frequently praise the rich broth, authentic ramen flavors, generous portions, and friendly service. Many visitors also note that the restaurant provides a surprisingly authentic Japanese ramen experience despite being located in a major Canadian tourist destination. The consistency of food quality and welcoming atmosphere appear to be major contributors to the restaurant's positive reputation among both local customers and international travelers.
Editorial Note: Tripadvisor ratings and review counts may change over time as new customer reviews are posted.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | CAD $35,000 |
| Initial Investment | Approximately CAD $350,000 – $500,000 |
| Royalty | 4% of sales + 1% marketing fee |
References:
Ramen Arashi Franchise Information
Ramen Arashi FAQ
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Ramen Arashi |
| Total Number of Restaurants (Including Company-Operated Locations) | 7 locations in Canada (as of June 2026) |
| Address | Banff, Alberta, Canada (head office contact listed through corporate website) |
Ramen Arashi offers a franchise opportunity built around authentic Japanese ramen and a proven operating model developed in Canada. The brand has established multiple locations across Alberta and British Columbia while maintaining a focus on quality ingredients, regional Japanese ramen styles, and strong guest experiences.
For prospective franchisees, one of the biggest advantages is the relatively straightforward operational system. The company provides hands-on training, ongoing support, supplier relationships, and location assistance, making the concept accessible even to entrepreneurs without extensive restaurant experience.
The franchise investment requirements are clearly disclosed, including a CAD $35,000 franchise fee, estimated startup costs of CAD $350,000 to $500,000, a 4% royalty, and a 1% marketing fee. Combined with the brand's growing footprint and positive customer reviews, Ramen Arashi represents an attractive opportunity for investors seeking a ramen-focused restaurant business with an established support structure and expansion ambitions.
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/)
