Jinya Ramen Bar recently partnered with Doherty Enterprises in a deal that will open at least two dozen stores along the east coast.
Jinya Ramen Bar is continuing expansion efforts in the United States after signing a large multi-unit franchisee agreement with Doherty Enterprises. The deal calls for Doherty to open between 25 and 40 locations over the next few years across New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.
“We are constantly searching for partners that share our beliefs and commitment to growth, so there is not an ideal market but there are ideal partners,” said Jinya CEO Tomo Takahashi. “We’re very lucky to have found great partners that are believers in our brand, and share our vision for the future.”
Founded in 2000 in Japan, Takahashi brought the concept with him to the U.S. in 2010 when he couldn’t find “my favorite food from my home.” Since coming to America, Jinya has grown to almost 40 locations in the U.S. and Canada.
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Jinya attracted multi-concept franchisee Doherty Enterprises, and the Allendale, New Jersey-based restaurant company will add the ramen brand to a portfolio that includes more than 80 Applebee’s locations and 41 Panera Bread stores, plus several Sola Salon units. The company, started by Ed Doherty in 1985, also operates its own concepts, The Shannon Rose Irish Pub and Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas.
Tim Doherty, president and COO of Doherty Enterprises.
“About six, nine months ago, the concept of Jinya came across our desk and looked very interesting,” said Tim Doherty, president and chief operating officer. “Ultimately, we decided to dive into the deep end of the pool and join forces with Jinya.”
“Enamored” with the brand, that leap of faith evolved quickly into a sizeable development commitment. For Doherty, Jinya checked all the boxes. He looks for unique concepts, “not run of the mill,” he said.
“I want to get involved with concepts that are special and I find something about them special,” he continued. “In Jinya’s case, I thought it was unique and special and very current.”
Doherty also takes a brand’s leadership into account. After meeting with Takahashi and several other Jinya executives, he was confident the brand had the capability to grow and stay profitable.
Average gross sales at Jinya’s franchise locations hit $3.2 million in 2022. A typical location is between 2,500 and 5,000 square feet, and the initial investment range for the fast casual concept is $1.4- to $3 million.
Doherty said his group wants to start developing locations right away. “It’s very exciting, and I think it’s something that will be loved and appreciated in the areas that I operate it,” he said.
The goal is to open two to four locations by the end of 2024, including first in New Jersey and New York. The development and operations of those restaurants will inform where Doherty Enterprises takes the brand next.
Tomo Takahashi, founder of Jinya Ramen Bar.
Takahashi, meanwhile, is keen to take Jinya and its menu of ramen, Japanese rice bowls and inventive small plates to more markets.
“Although we have grown over 50 restaurants, we continue to make the ramen the same way since we founded,” said Takahashi. “And even if we grow over 100 restaurants, we will continue to serve the same delicious ramen and make our customers satisfy with a bowl of ramen.”