Pricing and Costs of Japanese Restaurant Chains

Consider the costs of opening a Japanese cuisine chain restaurant

By Shannon Tani
Japanese chain restaurants are gaining in popularity and it's easy to see why an entrepreneur would consider opening one. Because chain restaurants are already successful, opening a franchise Japanese restaurant is much safer than opening a stand-alone restaurant. Customers will already know what to expect.

Still, a smart business owner must consider all of the pricing and costs of Japanese restaurant chains before making a decision. There are many costs associated with opening Japanese food chains and you need to decide whether you can turn a profit.

There are many different types of Japanese restaurant franchises to consider:

1. Ramen shops. When it comes to Japanese restaurant chains, ramen shops may be the cheapest option. Customers expect the décor to be bare-bones, perhaps just a counter and a few small tables.

2. Sushi restaurant chains. These can range from low to high end, depending on the area you want to open the restaurant in. Sushi is a popular exotic food.

3. Teppanyaki. Western customers often enjoy the spectacle of the chefs cooking on the "teppan" (iron griddle), but this is not traditional Japanese food.

4. Buffets. Buffet Japanese food franchises allow customers to sample a wide range of foods.

 

Think about the costs of purchasing a Japanese food restaurant chain

When you purchase a restaurant chain, you must make an initial payment to the company for the franchise and then continue to pay a percentage in royalties. The price of chain Japanese restaurants typically runs from $100,000-$500,000, depending on the style of food. Royalty percentages are typically 3-6%.
Try: The Franchise Mall lists the costs of several Asian fast food chains, including Japanese restaurants. Entrepreneur lists Japanese food chains.

Price the restaurant supplies for Japanese food chains

While all restaurants need the basics such as refrigeration, stoves, tables and chairs, there are some things that are specific to Japanese style restaurants.
Try: Galasource.com offers Asian restaurant supplies, ranging from $8 for a sushi roller to $250 for specialized ladles. Super Wholesaler offers decorative items for up to 75% off when you purchase several. This creates the right atmosphere for your restaurant.

Research wholesale food supply companies for Japanese food chains

Restaurants must purchase food to cook their customers. This is the highest recurring cost, so it's important to look for the best deals. Prices can range from a few dollars for soy sauce to several hundred dollars for the freshest specialty seafood.
Try: Agar specializes in supplying food to Asian restaurants. You can talk to a Japanese food specialist to help determine your needs. Eat Japan offers a trade directory that lists where you can buy several different Japanese food products.

 

  • When thinking about the pricing and costs of Japanese restaurant chains, consider who you want to hire. Chefs that are from Japan add authenticity to your restaurant, but you will have to pay for the cost of their visa.

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