Established
2016
Franchise Units
10
Minimum Investment
$350,000
Franchise Fee
$40,000
Total Investment Range
$700,000
Home Based
No
Description
Tabu Shabu is a modern Japanese hot pot restaurant concept that blends interactive dining with premium-quality ingredients and a sleek, contemporary atmosphere. Built around the popular shabu-shabu style of cooking, Tabu Shabu offers guests a personalized dining experience where fresh meats, vegetables, noodles, and signature broths are cooked tableside.
Positioned at the intersection of experiential dining and health-conscious eating, Tabu Shabu appeals to a wide demographic—from young professionals and families to food enthusiasts seeking lighter, customizable meals. In the U.S. market, where Asian-inspired and fast-casual premium concepts continue to gain traction, Tabu Shabu stands out with its streamlined operations, scalable format, and strong brand identity.
As a franchise opportunity, Tabu Shabu is designed for growth. The concept balances authenticity with broad American appeal, making it suitable for urban centers, lifestyle plazas, and high-traffic suburban locations. With rising consumer demand for interactive dining and fresh, transparent food preparation, Tabu Shabu is well positioned to capture long-term market share in the competitive restaurant franchise space.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
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High-Growth Cuisine Segment: Japanese hot pot and Asian comfort food continue to outperform traditional casual dining concepts in the U.S.
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Interactive Dining Experience: Guests actively participate in cooking, increasing engagement, repeat visits, and average ticket value.
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Health-Forward Appeal: Customizable broths, lean proteins, and fresh vegetables align with modern wellness trends.
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Scalable Business Model: Efficient kitchen layout, simplified menu structure, and repeatable systems support multi-unit growth.
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Strong Brand Differentiation: Modern design and authentic Japanese influence help Tabu Shabu stand out in crowded food courts and retail corridors.
Background
Established Year: 2016
Founders: Industry professionals with deep experience in Japanese cuisine and U.S. restaurant operations
Brand Journey & History: Tabu Shabu was created to modernize traditional shabu-shabu for the American market, focusing on speed, quality, and consistency without sacrificing authenticity. The brand refined its operating model through company-owned locations before expanding via franchising.
Franchise Active Units (Current): Approximately 10+ locations (company-owned and franchised) across select U.S. markets
Ownership & Structure: Privately held restaurant brand offering single-unit and multi-unit franchise opportunities
Market Presence in the USA: Strong presence in metro and suburban trade areas with high demand for Asian cuisine
Industry Category: Fast-casual / Casual dining – Asian & Japanese cuisine
Support Training
Tabu Shabu offers comprehensive end-to-end support to ensure franchisee success:
Pre-Launch Support
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Site selection guidance and demographic analysis
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Lease negotiation assistance
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Restaurant layout, kitchen design, and equipment specifications
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Vendor sourcing and supply chain setup
Training & Academic Support
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Initial franchisee and management training program
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Hands-on operational training at certified locations
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Food preparation, quality control, and safety standards
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POS systems and inventory management training
Operational Support
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Detailed operations manuals and SOPs
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Staffing models and labor optimization guidance
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Ongoing field support and performance reviews
Marketing & Branding Support
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Grand opening marketing strategy
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Digital marketing assets and brand guidelines
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Local store marketing campaigns and promotions
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Social media and reputation management support
Ongoing Support
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Continuous menu development and innovation
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Regular franchisee communication and best-practice sharing
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Ongoing training updates and refresher programs
Ideal Candidate
The ideal Tabu Shabu franchisee is a motivated entrepreneur or investor who values systems, quality, and guest experience.
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Background: Restaurant operators, hospitality professionals, or multi-unit franchise investors preferred (first-time operators also considered with strong management teams)
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Passion: Genuine interest in food service, Asian cuisine, and customer engagement
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Investment Capability: Adequate liquidity and access to capital to support build-out and early operations
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Management Style: Hands-on or semi-absentee with strong people-management skills
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Location Preference: Urban markets, college towns, lifestyle centers, and high-traffic suburban areas with strong dining demand
Financial Detail
(Figures are approximate and may vary by location)
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Total Investment Required: USD $350,000 – $700,000
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Minimum Investment / Liquid Capital: USD $150,000 – $250,000
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Franchise Fee: USD $40,000 – $50,000
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Franchise Units: Single-unit and multi-unit development available
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Infrastructure & Build-Out Cost: USD $180,000 – $350,000
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Equipment & Fixtures: USD $80,000 – $150,000
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Initial Marketing Budget: USD $15,000 – $30,000
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Working Capital: USD $50,000 – $100,000
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Royalty Fees: ~5% – 6% of gross sales
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Expected ROI: Attractive returns driven by repeat customers and strong dine-in volumes
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Break-Even Time: Typically 18 – 30 months
