Marugame Udon scores further investment

Marugame Udon has secured further investment that will help it grow its operations across the UK.

People all across the US will soon be tucking into a delicious helping of Marugame Udon’s noodles, as the Asian restaurant franchise has revealed it’s secured further investment to help it expand its US presence.

Hargett Hunter, a private equity group that focuses on the hospitality industry, has invested in Marugame Udon US to help it open new restaurants all across the country. The fast-casual restaurant already has eight locations across Hawaii and California, but has an ambitious strategy to establish new locations all across the vast country. It’s a flagship concept restaurant of Toridoll restaurants, specialising in rich Udon noodle dishes packed with spicy Asian flavours.

Soon, new locations across the US will be able to tuck into dishes like Kitsune Udon (made with sweet fried tofu), Tonkatsu Udon (rich miso pork noodles) and Kake Udon (classic noodles in a soup). Marugame is hoping to open more than 150 stores in the next five years in the states and is currently looking at sites in Dallas, Texas to kick off its expansion plan.

Speaking about the new partnership, Jeff Brock, Managing Director at Hunter Hargett, said:

“With its delicious noodle and fresh tempura offering, Marugame has become one of the most exciting growth concepts in the Asian category today. We’re looking forward to helping expand the US presence for a fast-casual brand experiencing such rapid growth around the world. It’s not often you get to help build the clear leader in a category, and with over 1,000 udon shops across Asia alone, Marugame is just that.”

CEO of parent group Toridoll Holdings, Takaya Awata, added:

“We believe that this partnership will be instrumental in the development, growth, and globalization of Marugame. Hargett Hunter has a passionate and experienced team focused entirely on expanding successful restaurant chains. The funding will help Marugame’s growth in the world’s largest restaurant market, propelled by the increasing popularity of Japanese food and fast casual eateries in the United States.”

Marugame Udon is on the hunt for area development franchisees across the UK, who are interested in opening five or more locations in their region.