1999
5
$349,000
$35,000
$672,000
No
Daiichi Ramen offers a unique opportunity to invest in a fast-casual Japanese dining franchise that has been delighting customers since 1999. Originating in Hawaii, Daiichi Ramen has built a reputation for serving fresh, made-to-order ramen and Japanese dishes in a welcoming environment. With a focus on quality ingredients and customer satisfaction, the brand is now expanding its reach to the mainland U.S., inviting passionate entrepreneurs to join its growing family.
Proven Business Model: Daiichi Ramen's commitment to fresh, high-quality food has established a loyal customer base in Hawaii.
Growing Market Demand: The U.S. fast-casual dining sector continues to thrive, with consumers seeking authentic and convenient dining options.
Comprehensive Support: Franchisees receive extensive training and ongoing support to ensure operational success.
Exclusive Territories: Each franchisee is granted an exclusive territory, reducing direct competition and enhancing market potential.
Established Year: 1999
Founder(s): Hiroshi Fukuda
Ownership: Family-owned business
Headquarters: Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
Brand Journey:
Daiichi Ramen began as a single ramen shop in Honolulu in 1999 with a mission to provide fresh, authentic Japanese ramen made with high-quality ingredients. Over the years, it gained a strong local following for its made-to-order dishes, signature broths, and friendly customer service. The brand became synonymous with quality Japanese fast-casual dining in Hawaii, earning recognition from food critics and local media.
Franchise History & Expansion:
In 2022, Daiichi Ramen officially launched its franchise program to expand beyond Hawaii. Currently, it operates 5 locations in Hawaii and is actively seeking franchise partners to bring the authentic Daiichi experience to the U.S. mainland.
Market Presence in the USA:
Established strong brand recognition in Hawaii.
Planning strategic expansion across major cities in the continental U.S.
Positioned within the fast-casual Japanese dining sector, a rapidly growing segment in the U.S. restaurant industry.
Industry Category: Restaurant & Food – Japanese Cuisine / Fast-Casual Dining
Other Information:
Daiichi Ramen emphasizes quality, freshness, and consistency in all locations.
It benefits from a proven operational model, making it a scalable franchise opportunity.
The brand’s reputation and loyal customer base create a solid foundation for new franchisees to succeed.
Daiichi Ramen offers a robust support system to ensure franchisee success:
Pre-Launch Support:
Assistance with site selection and lease negotiation
Store design and layout guidance
Vendor and supplier recommendations
Training Program:
178 hours of on-the-job training
13 hours of classroom instruction
Comprehensive modules covering hiring, food preparation, customer service, and operational procedures
Ongoing Support:
Marketing and advertising assistance
Social media and digital marketing strategies
Access to third-party delivery platforms (e.g., GrubHub, DoorDash, UberEats)
Regular operational reviews and performance evaluations
Daiichi Ramen is looking for franchise partners who are not only financially capable but also passionate about delivering authentic Japanese cuisine and exceptional customer experiences. The ideal franchisee will possess a combination of business acumen, operational skills, and a commitment to quality.
Key Characteristics:
Passionate About Food:
A genuine love for Japanese cuisine, ramen culture, and culinary excellence. The franchisee should be enthusiastic about sharing this passion with customers and maintaining high-quality food standards.
Customer-Focused:
Committed to providing outstanding dining experiences, from food preparation to service. A franchisee should value building strong relationships with the local community and repeat customers.
Operationally Skilled:
Capable of managing day-to-day restaurant operations, including staff supervision, inventory management, quality control, and adherence to standardized procedures.
Financially Prepared:
Ability to invest the necessary capital for setup and sustain operations through the initial growth phase. This includes meeting minimum liquid capital requirements and managing working capital effectively.
Business-Oriented:
Ideally has prior experience in restaurant management, retail operations, or running their own business. While previous food industry experience is a plus, the right candidate can succeed with Daiichi Ramen’s comprehensive training and support.
Community-Oriented:
Passionate about engaging with the local community and promoting the brand through events, partnerships, and social media outreach.
Entrepreneurial Mindset:
Motivated, proactive, and willing to follow a proven business model while adding personal dedication and energy to grow the franchise successfully.
Location Preference:
Daiichi Ramen seeks franchisees in high-traffic areas with strong potential for fast-casual dining, including urban centers, suburban shopping districts, and locations with high visibility to capture both dine-in and takeout customers.
Summary:
The ideal franchisee is a motivated, food-loving entrepreneur with the financial resources and operational capability to maintain the brand’s high standards, grow the business in their territory, and foster lasting relationships with customers.
Investing in a Daiichi Ramen franchise provides a clear path to entering the fast-casual Japanese dining market with a proven business model and strong brand support. Below are the key financial considerations:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $349,000 – $672,000 (depending on location, size, and build-out costs) |
| Franchise Fee | $35,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% of gross sales |
| Marketing Fee | 2% of gross sales (contributed to national/local marketing fund) |
| Minimum Liquid Capital Required | $35,000 |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out Costs | Included in total investment (varies by location) |
| Working Capital | Included in total investment (for initial operations and staffing) |
| Break-even Time | Typically 12–24 months, depending on location, foot traffic, and operational efficiency |
| Expected ROI | 15%–25% per year on average, based on historical performance of existing locations |
| Potential Revenue Streams | - In-store dining - Takeout and delivery services (DoorDash, UberEats, GrubHub) - Catering services for events - Merchandise sales (branded bowls, sauces, apparel) |
| Franchise Units | Currently 5 units in Hawaii with plans for U.S. mainland expansion |
| Marketing & Advertising Support | Franchisees receive guidance on local marketing, social media campaigns, promotions, and digital advertising strategies. |
Notes:
The investment range includes costs for equipment, furniture, signage, initial inventory, training, and pre-opening expenses.
Working capital ensures smooth operations during the first few months while the location builds a customer base.
Revenue projections depend on location demographics, market penetration, and operational efficiency.
