Rakkan Usa Franchise, Llc

What Rakkan Usa Franchise, Llc does

RAKKAN USA Franchise, LLC operates and franchises a Japanese ramen restaurant concept under founder Ryohei Ito, originating from a 4-seat restaurant established in Tokyo's Nishi-Azabu neighborhood in 2011. The brand expanded to the United States in 2017 and has since grown to 14+ storefronts across California, Texas, and Illinois, with additional former presence in Georgia, Colorado, and Nevada, plus a Barcelona location opened in February 2026. The company is authorized to sell franchises in the US and Canada and has been ranked in Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 (2025).

The core product is 100% plant-based broth ramen built on a proprietary "Dashi Bomb" umami technology and a koji-based fermented seasoning sourced from Japanese farmers. The Quick-Cook Broth System reduces traditional 10+ hour tonkotsu preparation to roughly one hour, yielding claimed unit-economics advantages of 30% lower ingredient costs, 65% lower gas usage, and 25% lower labor versus traditional ramen operators. Signature SKUs include QUARTZ (vegan and gluten-free, launched July 2019), AMBER, GARNET, PEARL, and RUBY, supplemented by seasonal limited-time offerings (Spicy Curry, Asian Spicy, Creamy Truffle, Hiyashi), small plates (Gyoza, Karaage, Karaage Tartar, Hand Rolls), sake-based cocktails, Japanese Shaved Ice, and Homemade RAKKAN ramen kits for at-home consumption.

The business model combines company-operated and franchised dine-in restaurants with multi-channel off-premise distribution: direct online ordering (Revel Systems), four third-party delivery platforms (Uber Eats, DoorDash, Postmates, Grubhub), corporate catering via ezCater, CPG via the Weee! marketplace, and brand merchandise. Franchise development requires $250,000+ net worth and $100,000+ liquid cash. Customer segments span health-conscious consumers, vegan and plant-based dieters, gluten-free diners, families, and franchise investors; the brand has been recognized with TABELOG BEST RAMEN (2012) and Hyakumeiten Top 100 in Japan, and operates a sustainability partnership with One Tree Planted that has planted 2,088+ trees.

Name

Rakkan Usa Franchise, Llc

Legal name

RAKKAN USA Franchise, LLC

Website

https://rakkanramen.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2011

Operating status

Operating

Short description

RAKKAN USA Franchise, LLC operates and franchises a Japanese ramen restaurant concept built on 100% plant-based broth and proprietary dashi fermentation technology, serving health-conscious, vegan, and gluten-free consumers across 14+ US locations and international outposts in Japan and Barcelona.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Gardena

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices14 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Restaurant Food Sales: Direct sales of ramen bowls, appetizers, sides, desserts, and beverages at company-owned and franchised restaurant locations. Includes dine-in, takeout, and delivery orders through multiple channels.
2. Franchise Fees and Royalties: Revenue from franchise development agreements. The company authorizes franchising in the US & Canada. Franchise requirements include $250,000+ net worth and $100,000+ liquid cash investment.
3. Merchandise Sales: Sale of branded merchandise including Homemade RAKKAN Ramen boxes (two portions each), lifestyle products. Available online and at restaurant locations.
4. Catering Services: Corporate and event catering services through ezCater platform and direct restaurant inquiries.
5. Third-Party Delivery Commissions: Revenue from third-party delivery orders placed through Uber Eats, DoorDash, Postmates, and Grubhub platforms.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

RAKKAN USA Franchise, LLC operates a Japanese ramen restaurant franchise chain featuring 100% plant-based broth ramen varieties. The company generates revenue through dine-in, takeout, and delivery food sales at company-owned and franchised locations, supplemented by a franchise development program authorized for the US and Canada, catering services, branded merchandise, and at-home ramen retail products distributed via the Weee! grocery marketplace.

Product overview

RAKKAN Ramen is a Japanese ramen restaurant chain founded in 2011 in Tokyo, operating under the philosophy 'Authentic Japanese food, ready for the world.' The company serves authentic ramen with 100% plant-based broth, positioning itself as a healthier alternative to traditional tonkotsu ramen. The core product offering centers on signature ramen varieties including QUARTZ (vegan/gluten-free), AMBER, GARNET, PEARL, and RUBY, complemented by seasonal limited-time offerings like Spicy Curry Ramen, Asian Spicy Ramen, Creamy Truffle Ramen, Hiyashi Ramen, and Spicy RUBY. The menu also includes small plates (Gyoza, Karaage, Karaage Tartar, Hand Rolls), sake-based cocktails, shaved ice desserts, and homemade ramen products for at-home consumption available via Weee! marketplace. RAKKAN operates as both a restaurant chain with dine-in locations across California, Illinois, and Texas, and offers franchise opportunities in the US and Canada. The company has expanded internationally with Rakkan Bar Barcelona opening in 2026, and maintains a sustainability focus through its partnership with One Tree Planted for tree planting initiatives.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Rakkan Bar Barcelona: A bar concept by RAKKAN that opened in Barcelona, Spain in February 2026, representing the company's expansion into the European market.

Products and services

• RAKKAN Ramen Restaurant Dining Japanese ramen restaurant chain specializing in 100% plant-based broth ramen varieties (QUARTZ, AMBER, GARNET, PEARL, RUBY) plus seasonal limited-time offerings, small plates, and sake-based cocktails; serves dine-in, takeout, and delivery customers across roughly a dozen US locations.
• QUARTZ Vegan Gluten-Free Ramen Completely vegan and gluten-free ramen variety utilizing RAKKAN's 100% plant-based broth, offered as a signature menu line at RAKKAN Ramen restaurant locations and as part of the franchise menu system.
• RAKKAN Ramen Franchise Program Licensed franchise program for opening and operating RAKKAN Ramen restaurants, with net worth requirement of $250,000+ and liquid cash investment of $100,000+ (up to $1,000,001+), targeting qualified franchise investors across the US and Canada.
• Rakkan Bar Barcelona Bar concept expansion of the RAKKAN brand in Barcelona, Spain, opened February 1, 2026, extending the company's international footprint beyond the United States and Japan.
• Homemade RAKKAN Ramen (At-Home Kits) Retail at-home ramen product kits (two portions per box) distributed through the Weee! online grocery marketplace and at select restaurant locations for at-home consumption.
• RAKKAN Lifestyle Merchandise Branded apparel and lifestyle accessories carrying the RAKKAN logo and brand identity, sold through the RAKKAN online merch store and at restaurant locations.
• RAKKAN Catering Services Corporate and event catering service offered through the ezCater marketplace and direct restaurant inquiries for group meals featuring RAKKAN ramen menu items.

Quantifiable outcome

• 40% fewer calories than typical tonkotsu ramen
• +5 more outcomes

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration10 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Japan Federation of Miso Manufacturers CooperativecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 August 2025RAKKAN Ramen USA attended California Restaurant Show representing the Federation, showcasing authentic Japanese miso flavors. Served 2,000+ samples of 16 unique miso ramen varieties.
• SOTO SakeminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 9 May 2024Raffle event collaboration at select RAKKAN locations from May through July 2024. SOTO provides sake products for raffle prizes at DTLA, Redondo Beach, and Long Beach locations.
• One Tree PlantedcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2022Sustainability partnership for tree planting. For World Vegan Day 2022-2023, RAKKAN planted one tree for every vegan ramen ordered at any location. Has planted 1,815+ trees in California aiding wildfire recovery, biodiversity, and water/soil protection. Continued partnership through Earth Day 2024 campaigns.
• Revel SystemscoreTechnology or IntegrationOnline ordering platform provider. RAKKAN uses Revel Systems for website ordering functionality. Data and information subject to Revel Systems' privacy policy.
• Uber Eats, DoorDash, Postmates, GrubhubcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThird-party delivery partners enabling food delivery services at all US restaurant locations.
• ezCaterminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCatering platform partner for corporate and event catering services.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• Slurp Ramen: Smaller plant-based ramen concept emerging in select US markets. Comparable in plant-based ramen positioning though at meaningfully smaller scale and limited multi-state presence.
• Slutty Vegan: Plant-based restaurant brand expanding via franchise model. Comparable in plant-based positioning and emerging franchise growth strategy, though operating in vegan burger category rather than ramen.

Direct peers

• Hinodeya Ramen Bar: Japanese ramen chain with multiple US locations focused on authentic recipes. Comparable in plant-based broth innovation, US franchise model, and small-footprint dining format.
• Wagamama: Japanese-inspired noodle restaurant chain operating across US, Europe, and Middle East. Comparable in plant-inclusive menu options, international franchise model, and dining experience format.
• Jinya Ramen Bar: Largest US ramen franchise with 60+ dine-in locations and similar franchise expansion model. Directly comparable in restaurant format, target customer (ramen enthusiasts), and franchise-led growth strategy, though RAKKAN differentiates with 100% plant-based broth.
• Ichiran Ramen: Japanese tonkotsu ramen chain with global presence. Direct ramen category competitor focused on authentic Japanese preparation methods and similar premium brand positioning.
• Ippudo: Global Japanese ramen chain with 80+ locations including a substantial US presence. Direct ramen category competitor with established brand authority and similar authentic-Japanese positioning.
• Marugame Udon: Japanese noodle restaurant franchise with US locations and franchise-based expansion. Directly comparable in physical restaurant format, Japanese noodle category, and multi-state US franchise growth strategy.

Broad incumbents

• Sweetgreen: Health-focused fast-casual restaurant franchise operating at scale across the US. Comparable in health/wellness positioning, scalable restaurant franchise model, and premium pricing for better-for-you food, though salad-focused rather than ramen.

Regional players

• Yo! Sushi: Japanese-inspired sushi and noodle chain with strong UK/European footprint. Comparable in authentic Japanese menu, franchise-based growth, and dining format, though primarily serves UK/European geography rather than RAKKAN's US base.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/rakkan_ramen
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC4RgLcHObidYkEIGzuxNCIw
• Facebookfacebook.com/rakkanramenofficial
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/rakkan-usa-franchise-llc
• Instagraminstagram.com/rakkan_ramen

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Rakkan Usa Franchise, Llc