Menya Jiro USA
Menya Jiro USA is a privately held Japanese ramen restaurant chain operating five US locations in New York City and the Boston area under JFORWARD INC. It serves authentic Kagoshima-style ramen with proprietary tonkotsu-chicken broth, fresh handmade noodles, and cultural-heritage-registered Char Siu pork, monetizing through dine-in, nationwide e-commerce (Goldbelly, Ramen Kings), catering, and a franchise program.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2010
- HeadquartersIbusuki City, Japan
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Menya Jiro USA does
Menya Jiro USA is the US operations of a Japanese ramen restaurant chain founded in 2010 in Ibusuki City, Kagoshima, by chef Jiro Anma. The US entity operates as JFORWARD INC, a privately held Delaware-style corporation, running three locations in New York City (anchored at 156 E 45th St) and two Boston-area locations (Harvard Square in Cambridge and Legacy Place in Dedham), with no institutional investment or parent-company involvement disclosed. The concept centers on Kagoshima-style ramen featuring a proprietary broth that combines tonkotsu (pork bone) and chicken, fresh handmade noodles, and signature Char Siu pork belly whose production method is registered as intangible cultural heritage in Japan. Diners can customize orders via a build-your-own format selecting proteins, vegetables, broth variants (spicy, light, rich, vegetarian miso), and toppings.
The company monetizes through four channels: dine-in restaurant sales at five US storefronts, nationwide shipping of the $109 Spicy Japanese Kagoshima Tonkotsu Ramen Meal Kit for four via Goldbelly (where Menya Jiro was selected as the first ramen shop) and Ramen Kings, event catering services in NYC, and a franchise/partnership program for outside operators. Marketing relies on earned media coverage in outlets such as Thrillist, Eater, NBC Boston, and The Harvard Crimson, supplemented by Instagram presence and participation in food festivals including Japan Fes, Uptown Night Market in Harlem, and Smorgasburg markets. The brand's competitive positioning rests on authentic ingredient sourcing (soy sauce and seasonings imported directly from Kagoshima Prefecture), award pedigree (NY Street Ramen Contest championships in 2016 and 2017, Top 20 US Ramen Restaurants 2023 by Toast Tab), and protected culinary heritage.
Menya Jiro USA firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Menya Jiro USA
- Legal name
- JFORWARD INC
- Website
- https://menyajiro-ny.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2010
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Menya Jiro USA is a privately held Japanese ramen restaurant chain operating five US locations in New York City and the Boston area under JFORWARD INC. It serves authentic Kagoshima-style ramen with proprietary tonkotsu-chicken broth, fresh handmade noodles, and cultural-heritage-registered Char Siu pork, monetizing through dine-in, nationwide e-commerce (Goldbelly, Ramen Kings), catering, and a franchise program.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Menya Jiro USA industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Japanese Ramen Restaurants
- NAICS
- Full-Service Restaurants (722511)
- SIC
- Retail-Eating Places (5812)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Salad & Bowl Concepts (Grain/Protein/Healthy Bowls) (THAFABAF)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Meal kits & subscription meal components manufacturing (AFAKAHAD)
Keywords
Where Menya Jiro USA is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Ibusuki City
- HQ country
- Japan
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices6 records
Markets served
Menya Jiro USA business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Restaurant Dining (Dine-in): Direct revenue from customers dining at physical restaurant locations in New York and Boston. Sells ramen bowls and other menu items at point of sale.
- Nationwide E-commerce (Goldbelly): Ships meal kits and ramen products nationwide through Goldbelly platform. Customers can order Spicy Japanese Kagoshima Tonkotsu Ramen Meal Kit for 4 for $109.
- Online Ordering (Ramen Kings): Sells ramen products through Ramen Kings online ordering platform for delivery.
- Catering Services: Provides ramen catering for special events and private parties in NYC. Contact via phone (646) 409-4551 for reservations.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | One-time purchase | Spicy Japanese Kagoshima Tonkotsu Ramen Meal Kit for 4 |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels5 records
Menya Jiro USA product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Menya Jiro USA operates a chain of Japanese ramen restaurants serving authentic Kagoshima-style ramen made with a proprietary pork-and-chicken broth, fresh handmade noodles, and Char Siu pork topping. Beyond dine-in service at its New York and Boston locations, the brand ships ramen meal kits nationwide through Goldbelly and Ramen Kings and offers catering for events and private parties in NYC.
Product overview
Menya Jiro USA is a Japanese ramen restaurant chain offering signature Kagoshima-style ramen dishes (SAKURAJIMA, KAGOSHIMA, IBUSUKI) made with tonkotsu and chicken broth, fresh handmade noodles, and traditional toppings including char siu (Intangible Cultural Heritage registered pork belly). The company operates a build-your-own ramen concept where customers customize protein options, vegetable sides, and toppings. Beyond dine-in locations in New York and Boston, Menya Jiro offers nationwide delivery through Goldbelly and Ramen Kings meal kits, and provides catering services for events and private parties in NYC.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Signature Ramens (SAKURAJIMA, KAGOSHIMA, IBUSUKI) Flagship Kagoshima-style ramen bowls featuring the brand's signature tonkotsu-and-chicken broth, fresh handmade noodles, and traditional toppings including Char Siu (seasoned pork belly registered as intangible cultural heritage), fried onions, garlic, bean sprouts, and scallions; offered to dine-in customers at Menya Jiro locations.
- Build-Your-Own Ramen Customizable ramen where diners select protein options, vegetable sides, and additional toppings and seasonings; supports spicy, light, rich, and vegetarian miso broth variants.
- Spicy Japanese Kagoshima Tonkotsu Ramen Meal Kit for 4 Shippable at-home meal kit containing broth, ramen base, handmade ramen noodles, braised pork belly, bean sprouts, scallions, Chashu sauce, and red chili pepper; serves four and is priced at $109.
- Ramen Catering NYC Catering service providing Menya Jiro ramen for corporate events, weddings, private parties, and other special occasions in the New York City area; reservations taken via phone at (646) 409-4551 between 12pm and 3pm.
Companies that use Menya Jiro USA
Customer profileSegments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Menya Jiro USA technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration2 records
Feature4 records
Menya Jiro USA partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- GoldbellycoreMenya Jiro was honored to be selected as the first ramen shop on Goldbelly. Goldbelly provides nationwide shipping of Menya Jiro ramen meal kits, allowing customers outside NY and Boston to experience the brand's ramen at home. The partnership is a key distribution channel for reaching customers nationwide.
- Ramen KingsminorMenya Jiro products are available through Ramen Kings online ordering platform for nationwide delivery.
- Legacy PlacecoreMenya Jiro opened its first Boston-area location at Legacy Place in Dedham, MA (opened September 2022). Legacy Place is a leading open-air retail destination with 75+ brands. This partnership represents Menya Jiro's strategic expansion outside of Japan and NY.
- Japan FesminorMenya Jiro participates in Japan Fes events in NYC (10am-6pm schedule), a Japanese festival that brings people and cultures together through food, music, and art.
- Uptown Night MarketminorMenya Jiro participates in Manhattan's largest foodie series in Harlem, featuring 50+ vendors representing the city's best culinary offerings.
- SmorgasburgminorMenya Jiro participates in Smorgasburg markets - both Jersey City (Saturdays) and Prospect Park (Sundays) locations, reaching food enthusiasts at these popular weekend markets.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Menya Jiro USA competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Cocoron: NYC Japanese soba and ramen restaurant; comparable as a small, NYC-based Japanese noodle concept with customizable offerings and authentic-Japan positioning aimed at similar food-enthusiast customers.
- Totto Ramen: NYC-based ramen chain known for chicken paitan; comparable to Menya Jiro in NYC dine-in ramen market, build-your-own customization, and tonkotsu-style broth offerings.
- Yuji Ramen: Japanese chef-led NYC ramen counter; comparable as a chef-founded, Japanese-credentialed ramen concept serving a similar urban food-enthusiast customer base with build-your-own formats.
- Ichiran: Japan-originated tonkotsu ramen chain with US outposts; directly comparable for authentic tonkotsu ramen positioning, customizable ordering format, and Japanese brand authority in the US market.
- Ivan Ramen: NYC ramen shop from chef Ivan Orkin; directly comparable as a chef-founded Japanese ramen concept serving NYC with strong media profile and authentic positioning.
- Hide-Chan Ramen: NYC tonkotsu-style ramen restaurant; comparable to Menya Jiro in NYC dine-in ramen market, tonkotsu-heavy broth style, and Japanese-cuisine authenticity positioning.
- Marugame Udon: Japan-originated Japanese noodle restaurant chain with broad US presence; comparable as a Japanese-noodle full-service concept competing in the same ethnic noodle category and customer segment.
- Ippudo: Japan-originated premium ramen chain with multiple US locations; directly comparable to Menya Jiro in product (tonkotsu-style ramen), target customer (urban Japanese-food enthusiasts), and dine-in restaurant model.
- JINYA Ramen Bar: US-based Japanese ramen chain operating dozens of locations; comparable to Menya Jiro in customizable ramen bowls, full-service dine-in model, and US expansion strategy targeting major metros.
Regional players
- Ramen Tatsu-Ya: Austin-based award-winning ramen chain with multiple locations; comparable as a chef-founded, multi-location US ramen chain with strong local brand reputation, though geographically focused outside Menya Jiro's NE footprint.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Menya Jiro USA social profiles
Digital presenceMenya Jiro USA financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Menya Jiro USA leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Menya Jiro USA funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Menya Jiro USA M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Menya Jiro USA
What does Menya Jiro USA do?
Menya Jiro USA operates a chain of Japanese ramen restaurants serving authentic Kagoshima-style ramen made with a proprietary pork-and-chicken broth, fresh handmade noodles, and Char Siu pork topping. Beyond dine-in service at its New York and Boston locations, the brand ships ramen meal kits nationwide through Goldbelly and Ramen Kings and offers catering for events and private parties in NYC.
Is Menya Jiro USA a public or private company?
Menya Jiro USA is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Menya Jiro USA founded?
Menya Jiro USA was founded in 2010. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Menya Jiro USA based?
Menya Jiro USA is headquartered in Ibusuki City, Japan, in the Asia region.
How does Menya Jiro USA make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Restaurant Dining (Dine-in) is the primary driver. The others are nationwide E-commerce (Goldbelly), online Ordering (Ramen Kings) and catering Services.
Who are Menya Jiro USA's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Cocoron, Totto Ramen, Yuji Ramen, Ichiran, Ivan Ramen, Hide-Chan Ramen, Marugame Udon, Ippudo and JINYA Ramen Bar. Ramen Tatsu-Ya is listed as a regional player.
Does Menya Jiro USA have an API?
No public API is recorded for Menya Jiro USA.
What industry is Menya Jiro USA in?
Menya Jiro USA's product category is Japanese Ramen Restaurants. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAFABAF, Salad & Bowl Concepts (Grain/Protein/Healthy Bowls), with a secondary code of AFAKAHAD, Meal kits & subscription meal components manufacturing. Its NAICS code is 722511 and its SIC code is 5812.