Makotoya ramen chain reaches 105 stores and plans to reach 150 by 2026

The Makotoya network has reached 105 stores in Japão and abroad. The number was recorded in March 2026. The company, based at Osaka, is betting on beef bone-based ramen to attract families.

The accelerated growth has placed the brand among the fastest expanding in the sector. In a ranking released by Nikkei MJ last year, she was in fifth place.

Concept Mudança saved the business

The first store opened in October 1999 in the Fukushima neighborhood, in Osaka. At the time, the name was Fukahireya and the main dish used shark fins. The idea came from Shinsuke Shimada, a TV presenter who invested in restaurants.

The product did not please the local public. The price of 750 yen per bowl was considered high for ramen at the time. The flavor also didn’t convince Osaka’s customers.

In 2003, founder Masashi Kasai decided to start over. Abandonou the previous concept. Criou a ramen with beef bone broth and chicken bone. Mudou is the name for Makotoya and constituted Makoto Food Service Co., Ltd.

The localization strategy has also changed. Instead of focusing only on central commercial areas, the chain started to open units in suburban neighborhoods. The target audience was families. Sales grew significantly.

Expansão gained pace from 2018

Até 2017, the opening of new stores followed a moderate pace of one to three per year. As of 2018, the target rose to 15 new units annually. The company also began international expansion.

Hoje, 16 of the 105 stores are outside Japão. The focus remains on Kansai, but the plan is to grow across the country. Makoto Food Service participates in franchise fairs to attract new partners.

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• Ramen of beef bone with soy sauce as the main ingredient
• Conceito for “ramen that makes families happy”
• Presença in suburban areas to attract regular customers
• 16 stores abroad by March 2026
• Meta of 150 units in 2026

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A post shared by 【公式】ラーメンまこと屋 (@ramen_makotoya)

Concorrência increases, but market remains stable

The ramen sector faces more bankruptcies of independent establishments. Mesmo thus, the total market size does not shrink. Foreign Turistas helps sustain demand.

Novos entrants from other sectors arrive with force. Already consolidated Redes, like Makotoya, respond with aggressive expansion and product differentiation. Beef bone broth is the brand’s main differentiator.

The company celebrates 27 years of operation in 2026. The path included years of uncertainty before the turning point. Kasai, who left his job at Dunlop to start his own business, went through different jobs before entering the industry.

Long-term Metas include higher revenue

Makoto Food Service plans to reach 175 stores in 2027. The objective for 2028 is 200 units and revenue of 15 billion yen. The numbers reflect confidence in the current formula.

The network maintains its focus on quality and family service. Subúrbios remain a priority for new openings. The company is also studying additional opportunities abroad.

The case of Makotoya shows how strategic adjustments can transform a business that started with difficulties. Beef bone ramen, which replaced shark fin, became the brand’s main asset.