Japan
Umami Burger launches second outlet in Japan
The American burger chain plans to roll out 10 more outlets in the country by 2020.
Umami Burger launches second outlet in Japan
The American burger chain plans to roll out 10 more outlets in the country by 2020.
Japanase pancake chain Chibo plans Asia expansion
They are also adding halal options to their menu.
Japan's Toridoll Holdings Corp joins forces with Pokéworks poke brand
The agreement seeks to propel the global expansion of Pokéworks. The global restaurant investment powerhouse Toridoll inked a deal Pokéworks, one of the U.S’s largest and fastest-growing poke brands, in a bid to accelerate the poke brand’s market dominance and establish a global network. Toridoll Holdings currently operates 1,028 restaurant locations in Japan and 533 overseas, including the Hawaiian udon restaurant Marugame Seimen. The $1.6 billion-holding company has identified “the Pokéworks investment opportunity as a means to further accelerate the brand's market dominance while setting the bar for quality standards within the poke segment”. The announcement comes just two years since Pokéworks' inception. The brand has seen an aggressive growth trajectory in that time, with nearly 20 locations operating and more than 120 under development across North America. Pokéworks aims to open an additional 400+ locations. "Pokéworks was founded on the idea of bringing high-quality and affordable seafood to the masses and this agreement will no doubt enable us to achieve our long-term vision for the brand and the concept," said Michael Wu, CEO of Pokéworks. "It is no secret that Japan is globally recognized as the leaders in fresh and superior sushi cuisine, and we cannot think of a more sophisticated establishment to partner and further align our values with as we continue to grow." Toridoll Holdings plans to support the fast expansion of the brand's business model by leveraging its expertise in investing and operations through experience working with a diverse range of restaurant businesses within its global network. Heightened by the popularity of the poke trend – which has reached an annual growth rate of 25 percent and growing – Pokéworks looks to strengthen its procedures and propel operations from an execution standpoint, by placing a strong focus on higher standards to ensure a trusted and an authentic experience throughout its momentous growth. "In this emerging market, Pokéworks has become a great success by appealing to the demand for fresh, fast and healthy food at affordable prices," said Takaya Awata, President of Toridoll Holdings. "We are excited to work in tandem with one of the largest and fastest growing poke brands in the United States –where the hottest global trends in the restaurant business emerge." Founded in 2015 with their first store in Midtown Manhattan, Pokéworks is building on momentum largely fueled by its millennial relevance and deep-rooted commitment to sustainability efforts as seen through its certified reclaimed wood building material. Guests of all dietary restrictions, including those maintaining gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan, as well as cooked or raw protein diets can enjoy Pokéworks' build-your-own poke bowls, burritos and salads by selecting a base protein, unique regional mix-ins, flavoring sauces, toppings and crunchy texture. To augment the concept's growth, Pokéworks is seeking experienced multi-unit partners looking to invest in a turnkey franchise with minimal restaurant and labor costs. The opportunity provides comprehensive training programs and dedicated support teams to assist in on-boarding, development, opening and ongoing operations. The initial franchise fee for Pokéworks is $35,000 with the total single-unit investment ranging from $250,000 to $850,000. Founded in 1990, Toridoll Holdings Corporation is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan and operates over 1500+ locations of restaurants which include: Marugame Seimen, a specialized Sanuki Udon restaurant; Toridoll Yakitori, a charcoal grilled chicken restaurant; teriyaki Japan, a fast-food restaurant; Crackin' Kitchen, a Hawaiian-Cajun restaurant; Tokyo Table, which serves Japanese and American food; Kaya, a fast-casual restaurant serving food cooked with selected ingredients in South-East Asian style; and Wok to Walk that serves Thai street food.
Fatburger and Buffalo's Express debut in Tokyo
Fatburger Buffalo's Express Shibuya Crossing site has opened its doors on April 28.
McDonald's Japan teams up with Uniqlo to launch a t-shirt range
The range consists of four designs in six variations and comes in (men’s) size XS to 4L.
McDonald's Japan trials Big Mac Bacon to celebrate Big Mac's 50th year
Japanese celebrities joined the taste test to decide whether the new variant is worthy of the Big Mac name.
Longreach Group to acquire Japanese chain Kohikan
The Longreach Group sees the potential to expand into high growth Asian markets.
McDonald's Japan launches mobile payment in 2,900 locations
The giant turns to app to reduce congestion amidst labor shortage.
McDonald's Japan net sales bolster 11.2% to $2.4b
Under the leadership of CEO Sarah Cassanova, the fast food giant began to focus on improvements in the quality of food, promotions, service, and employee treatment.
Starbucks Japan taps in to coffee machine leasing
It is leasing office-use machines that brew "the same coffee that is served at its outlets".
Which brand will fare in Japan's burger battle?
Fast food chains in Japan are launching the biggest expansion wave in decades. According to Nikkei Asian Review, McDonald's Holdings (Japan) is emerging from a slump and has announced its first net store increase in a decade this year. McDonald's aims to open 150 to 200 new locations in the next three years. Factoring in closings, it expects a net increase of around 100.
Newly Weds
QSR Media: Tell us about Newly Weds. What is the origin of the name?
KFC Japan reports US$53.5m earnings over Christmas weekend
This year’s sales are 1.4% more than last year’s, and the highest ever recorded for a Christmas season.
Fast casual brand Pizza Cucinova to enter Japan
Pizza Cucinova will launch 15 restaurants in Japan via a partnership with KADOYA.
Japanese-brand Sukiya under pressure due to rising fees
Its extra-large bowl of gyudon will be subjected to an 8.6% price hike.
Guzman y Gomez expands in Tokyo
It will open its new Shibuya store on November 15.
Lotteria Japan unveils new recipe for Meat Day
The Hamidashi Double Steak Burger has two steaks placed between the buns.