Shoryu looks to franchise partners for ramen roll-out

Shoryu Ramen has teamed up with Ford Consultancy Group to begin expanding under franchise in the UK and overseas.

The restaurant group was founded by Japan Centre chief executive Tak Tokumine in 2012 and has grown to 13 sites in London, Manchester and Oxford.

After its 2019 franchising plans were put on hold by the pandemic, the group is now seeking partners for a ‘strategic programme’ of London and national openings.

It is looking for people with experience in food and beverage operations and an understanding of Japanese ramen, interested in operating single or multi-unit franchise operations ‘immediately’.

Shoryu specialises in Hakata tonkotsu ramen inspired by Tokumine’s native city of Fukuoka on the southern island of Kyushu, Japan.

Tokumine said: “We are ready to bring Shoryu Ramen to a wider audience working together with dedicated franchisees. The future opportunities for franchisees and Shoryu is exciting and I look forward to seeing new customers enjoy my hometown ramen across Britain and beyond in the future.”

Dominic Ford, director of Ford Consultancy Group, added: "As the industry emerges from a very tough period, there is a real appetite to take proven brands and concepts out of the capital and into regional towns and cities where demand for great food and dining experiences continues to grow.”

Shoryu is backed by the Japan Centre group, which also runs its eponymous London food hall as well as the Yokocho Ramen brand and Ichiba food hall at Westfield Shepherds Bush.