1978
1500
$908,000
$40,000
$1,410,000
No
CoCo Ichibanya (CoCo ICH) is Japan’s largest and most beloved curry chain, renowned for its customizable Japanese-style curry rice. With over 1,500 locations across 12 countries, the brand has become synonymous with comfort food, offering a warm, inviting atmosphere and a menu that caters to diverse tastes. In the United States, CoCo Ichibanya has established a growing presence, with flagship locations in California and Texas, and a strategic focus on expanding nationwide.
The franchise model emphasizes consistency, quality, and a deep connection to Japanese culinary traditions, making it an attractive opportunity for investors seeking a proven brand with global appeal.
Why Invest in this Franchise?
Proven Global Success: With over 1,500 locations worldwide, CoCo Ichibanya has demonstrated consistent growth and brand loyalty.
Strong Brand Recognition: As Japan’s largest curry chain, the brand carries significant recognition and consumer trust.
Customizable Menu: The ability to tailor dishes to individual preferences enhances customer satisfaction and repeat business.
Comprehensive Support: Franchisees receive extensive training and ongoing support, ensuring operational success.
Scalable Model: The franchise offers scalability, allowing for expansion into multiple locations.
Established Year & Founders:
CoCo Ichibanya was founded in 1978 in Nagoya, Japan by Ichirou Koshimizu. Since its inception, the brand focused on perfecting Japanese-style curry rice, a comfort food beloved across Japan. The founder’s vision was to create a quick-service restaurant that combined quality, consistency, and customization, allowing customers to personalize their curry experience with spice level, toppings, and portion sizes.
Franchise Units & Global Presence:
Today, CoCo Ichibanya operates over 1,500 locations worldwide, spanning Japan, the United States, Asia, and other regions. Its international expansion is strategically focused, prioritizing markets with strong demand for Japanese cuisine and casual dining concepts.
Brand Journey & Growth:
1978–1990s: Expansion within Japan, refining recipes and operational standards.
2000s: Global expansion began, entering markets like China, Taiwan, and South Korea.
2010s: Entry into the U.S. market, with initial locations in California and Texas, targeting areas with high demand for authentic Japanese cuisine.
Present: Steady growth across the U.S., with new franchise opportunities being actively promoted.
Ownership & Management:
CoCo Ichibanya is owned by Ichibanya Co., Ltd., a publicly traded company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The company manages brand standards, operational excellence, and international franchise support, ensuring a unified brand identity across all locations.
Market Presence in the USA:
In the U.S., CoCo Ichibanya has established a niche but growing presence, especially in states like California and Texas, where the market for Japanese fast-casual dining is strong. Locations are strategically chosen in urban and suburban areas with high foot traffic, proximity to universities, and diverse populations.
Industry Category:
CoCo Ichibanya operates in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) sector, specializing in Japanese curry rice. Its differentiation lies in customization, authentic flavor, and consistent quality, which sets it apart from typical fast-food chains.
Reputation & Brand Value:
Known for authentic Japanese flavors adapted for international markets.
Strong customer loyalty, thanks to menu flexibility and consistent quality.
Recognized globally as the leading Japanese curry chain, which adds credibility and market appeal for investors.
CoCo Ichibanya offers a robust support system to its franchisees, ensuring a smooth operational journey:
Pre-Launch Support:
Assistance in site selection and lease negotiations.
Store design and layout planning.
Comprehensive training programs for franchisees and staff.
Operational Support:
Ongoing operational guidance and best practices.
Regular performance evaluations and feedback.
Marketing Support:
National and regional marketing campaigns.
Access to promotional materials and digital marketing tools.
Academic Support:
Training in Japanese culinary techniques and customer service excellence.
Continuous learning opportunities to stay updated with industry trends.
This comprehensive support structure ensures that franchisees are well-equipped to operate successfully and uphold the brand’s reputation.
CoCo Ichibanya seeks franchisees who are passionate about Japanese cuisine and committed to delivering a high-quality, consistent customer experience. The ideal candidate possesses a combination of business acumen, financial capability, and a genuine interest in the foodservice industry. Below is a detailed profile:
Experience in restaurant management, hospitality, or retail operations is preferred but not mandatory.
Understanding of quick-service restaurant operations or multi-unit management is a strong advantage.
Ability to manage staff, handle operations, and maintain high standards across all areas of the restaurant.
Must have sufficient investment capital to cover franchise fees, infrastructure, working capital, and marketing expenses.
Capacity to sustain operations during the initial months before the business reaches break-even.
Understanding of financial planning, revenue projections, and budgeting for growth.
Willingness to adhere to CoCo Ichibanya’s operational standards and maintain the brand’s reputation for quality.
Long-term commitment to the franchise, with a focus on customer satisfaction and consistent service.
Hands-on involvement in daily operations is highly recommended, especially during the initial launch phase.
Interest in Japanese food culture and a desire to introduce authentic Japanese curry to the U.S. market.
Respect for the brand’s heritage and willingness to train staff in Japanese culinary practices.
Entrepreneurial mindset with knowledge of the local market, demographics, and dining trends.
Ability to identify prime locations with high foot traffic and demand for fast-casual dining.
Open to establishing franchises in key urban or suburban markets where Japanese cuisine is gaining popularity.
Strong leadership and communication skills to inspire and manage a team.
Passion for the restaurant industry and for creating memorable dining experiences.
Resilience and problem-solving skills to navigate challenges and ensure long-term profitability.
| Financial Component | Details / Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $908,000 – $1,410,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $40,000 |
| Minimum Investment Required | Varies by location; typically $908,000+ |
| Infrastructure / Build-out Cost | Included in total investment; depends on location and store size |
| Marketing Budget | 1% of monthly sales (contribution to national/regional campaigns) |
| Working Capital | Included in total investment; recommended to cover 3–6 months of operations |
| Royalty Fees | 3% of monthly sales |
| Expected ROI | Variable; estimated 2–4 years depending on location, management, and market conditions |
| Break-even Time | 2–3 years on average |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Dine-in, takeout, delivery, catering, merchandise |
| Franchise Units (USA) | 5–10 current locations; expanding across California, Texas, and other states |
| Other Fees | Training, operational support, and supplies as required |
