Jinya Ramen is The America's New Noodle King

Remember the "ramen wars" a few years back? Well, we might have a winner. Jinya Ramen Bar is slurping up success, becoming the second-fastest growing full-service Asian restaurant in the U.S.

In 2023, this Tokyo-born (and Los Angeles-based) chain grew by 30.2%, second only to KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot. It's the only ramen joint to make it into the Technomic Top 500 restaurants list.

Jinya's is a part of Jinya Holdings Inc., which runs various Japanese eateries. But ramen is their claim to fame, and they're expanding fast. In the past two years, they've opened 14 new spots, focusing on the Midwest, Northeast, and Southeast.

What's their secret? Founder Tomo Takahashi reveals: "Jinya's success in the so-called 'ramen wars' can be attributed to our unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Our strategic marketing, strong brand identity, and ability to adapt to market trends have solidified our leadership position in the industry."

Jinya's is on a wave of social media hype. In 2023, they reached astonishing 2.67 billion media impressions, up 183% from 2022, thanks to celebrity partnerships (like NASCAR's Kyle Larson), chef collabs, and new menu items.

They're tech-savvy too. Late 2023 saw the relaunch of their app, complete with a rewards program. It's all about making it easier for customers to order, earn points, and stay in the loop.

Looking ahead, Jinya's got big plans. They're adding new concepts to their menu, like Saijo, which will focus on skewers and handrolls. Takahashi's even hinting at fast-casual options and uniquely themed restaurants.

"We plan to introduce innovative menu items that reflect global culinary trends while staying true to our Japanese roots," Takahashi says. "Our goal is to continuously improve and adapt to the ever-changing restaurant landscape, ensuring we remain a leader in the industry."

by Alex Bailey | July 27, 2024 | SHARE