Shoryu is a UK-based ramen brand specializing in authentic Hakata tonkotsu ramen from Fukuoka, Japan. With multiple locations across England and an expanding franchise program, the brand offers entrepreneurs an opportunity to introduce genuine Japanese ramen to new markets.
Shoryu is operated by Shoryu Ramen and was founded by the team behind Japan Centre, one of the UK's best-known Japanese food businesses. The brand launched in 2012 with the goal of introducing authentic Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen to the British market.
The company currently operates restaurants primarily in London, along with locations in Oxford and Manchester, as well as a location in Fukuoka, Japan. As of June 2026, Shoryu does not operate restaurants in North America. However, the company actively promotes franchising opportunities and is seeking partners for expansion in the UK and selected international markets.
Shoryu's identity is deeply connected to Hakata, the birthplace of tonkotsu ramen. Founder Tak Tokumine and Executive Chef Kanji Furukawa are both natives of Fukuoka and have built the brand around authentic Hakata recipes, rich pork-bone broth, thin noodles, and Japanese hospitality. The company emphasizes genuine regional Japanese cuisine rather than adapting its menu to Western interpretations of ramen.
Shoryu has established itself as one of the UK's best-known Japanese ramen brands by focusing on authentic Hakata tonkotsu ramen. The concept is rooted in Fukuoka's ramen culture and supported by the reputation of Japan Centre, which has served Japanese food customers in the UK for decades.
Consumers are drawn to Shoryu's rich pork-bone broth, thin Hakata-style noodles, and carefully developed recipes created by Executive Chef Kanji Furukawa. The brand's commitment to authenticity helps distinguish it from many casual ramen concepts and contributes to its strong customer following.
According to the company's franchise program, Shoryu offers a business model designed for scalable growth. Industry reports on the brand's franchise expansion note that Shoryu restaurants typically require less space and labor than many traditional casual-dining concepts.
Franchise partners benefit from an established operating system, brand recognition, training, and operational guidance. The combination of a focused menu, streamlined kitchen operations, and a proven restaurant concept may help franchisees enter the Japanese restaurant sector with support from an experienced franchisor.
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| Store | Rating | Survey Date |
|---|---|---|
| Shoryu (London, England) | 4.5 / 5 | June 2026 |
Source:
Tripadvisor
Shoryu has earned strong customer ratings on Tripadvisor, with reviewers frequently praising the authenticity of its Hakata-style ramen, attentive service, and family-friendly atmosphere. Guests often mention the quality of the ingredients, generous portions, and welcoming hospitality. Positive feedback is also given to the restaurant's central London location and its ability to accommodate both individual diners and larger groups. These factors have contributed to the brand's strong reputation among both local residents and international visitors.
The following comments are partial excerpts from Tripadvisor reviews.
Source:
Tripadvisor
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | Inquiry Required |
| Initial Investment | Inquiry Required |
| Royalty | Inquiry Required |
References:
Shoryu Franchise Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Shoryu Ramen Limited |
| Total Number of Restaurants (Including Company-Operated Locations) | Approximately 10 locations in the UK and Japan (as of June 2026) |
| Address | 3 Denman Street, London, W1D 7HB, United Kingdom |
Shoryu offers a franchise opportunity built around authentic Hakata tonkotsu ramen from Fukuoka, Japan. Since launching in London in 2012, the brand has expanded across England while maintaining a strong focus on traditional recipes, high-quality ingredients, and Japanese hospitality.
A major strength of the concept is its clear brand identity. Unlike many ramen chains that offer broad menus, Shoryu specializes in Hakata-style ramen created by Fukuoka natives who are passionate about sharing their hometown's culinary culture. This authenticity has helped the brand build strong customer recognition and positive reviews.
For franchisees, Shoryu provides access to an established operating model and an internationally recognized Japanese dining concept. Although detailed investment figures are not publicly disclosed, the company's ongoing franchise recruitment demonstrates its commitment to expansion in the UK and selected overseas markets. Entrepreneurs seeking an authentic Japanese ramen brand with proven market appeal may find Shoryu an attractive opportunity.
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/)
