Ajisen Ramen

Ajisen Ramen is a globally established Japanese ramen brand, founded in 1968 in Kumamoto, Japan, by Mr Takaharu Shigemitsu.

From a single origin store to a worldwide network now exceeding 700 outlets, Ajisen has proven its ability to scale across cultures while staying faithful to its signature flavour profile and operating systems.

Ajisen expanded internationally in the late 1990s and has built strong brand recognition in Asia-Pacific and beyond, including long-standing success in Australia.

Ajisen Ramen Melbourne opened its first outlet on 11 November 2004 at 130 Bourke Street in Melbourne’s CBD, then grew into additional Victorian locations, followed by stores in Sydney and Adelaide.

This history gives franchise partners an opportunity to join a brand with deep heritage, proven global demand, and a foundation already welcomed by Australian diners.

Why Choose Ajisen Ramen?

Ajisen Ramen offers franchisees a powerful mix of global credibility and local growth potential.

With ramen continuing to perform strongly in Australia’s casual dining and quick-service landscape, Ajisen stands out through product consistency, brand familiarity, and an operational model refined over decades.

Key advantages include:

• Global brand strength with over 700 restaurants worldwide, giving customers immediate recognition and trust.

• A heritage recipe centred on tonkotsu pork bone broth, known for its rich depth and consistency, supported by Ajisen’s proprietary flavour method.

• Signature Senmi sauce and garlic-style Kumamoto seasoning that create a distinctive taste profile customers return for again and again.

• A proven fast-casual format designed for strong throughput, repeat visitation, and efficient kitchen execution.

• Established Australian footprint, with long-term trading history in Victoria and demonstrated success in multiple suburb types.

• Clear positioning around reassuring, safe, and healthy food standards, aligning strongly with modern customer expectations.

Fast Facts

Industry:

Accommodation and Food Services, Japanese fast-casual dining.

Franchise Model:

Japanese ramen restaurant in a fast-casual format, focused on dine-in and takeaway.

Years Operating in Australia:

Operating in Australia since 2004.

Franchised Outlets:

Currently operating multiple outlets in Victoria, with growth previously extending into NSW and SA.

Where the Franchise Operates:

Victoria.

Expansion Plans:

Not specified at this stage, with opportunities likely guided by territory suitability and demand.

Investment Details

Ajisen Ramen is a premium restaurant franchise with fit-out and equipment standards designed to protect brand quality and deliver the authentic Ajisen experience.

Estimated setup cost:

$500,000 to $900,000 depending on site size, condition, and lease terms.

This investment typically covers:

• Full restaurant fit-out and design

• Kitchen and bar equipment

• Furniture, utensils, crockery, and signage

• Professional fees such as legal, accounting, architectural, and engineering support

• Initial food and beverage inventory

• Office equipment and launch requirements

• Landlord guarantees and rental deposits

Ajisen’s established systems help franchisees translate this investment into a polished, high-demand venue from opening day.

Franchise Agreement Overview

Ajisen operates under a structured franchise agreement that protects brand consistency, product standards, and territory value.

Franchise partners follow approved systems and supplier frameworks to ensure every store delivers the same flavour, service, and presentation the brand is known for globally.

Standard agreement terms typically run three to under five years, with renewal options available subject to performance and compliance.

Who Should Apply?

Ajisen Ramen suits franchise partners who want to run a recognised food brand with a dependable operating model and repeat-customer appeal.

Ideal franchisees include:

• Hospitality operators looking to scale through a globally proven ramen concept.

• Business owners seeking a structured restaurant model with strong brand pull.

• Investors who value heritage-backed brands with local market traction.

• Operators committed to quality execution and consistent customer experience.

Ready to Bring Ajisen Ramen to Your Territory?

Ajisen Ramen gives franchisees the chance to own a store backed by decades of refinement, a loyal global following, and a product that performs strongly in Australia’s dining market.

If you want to partner with a brand that blends Japanese heritage with proven franchise systems, Ajisen Ramen invites you to explore franchise opportunities today.

Send us a message to learn more and submit an expression of interest.