From Startup to Setback—and Beyond: The Journey of Ichiraku Ramen House
In August 2024, two friends separated by continents shared a common dream—to create something that reflected their passion for good food, community, and creative freedom. I was living abroad at the time, but that didn’t stop me and my close friend back home from dreaming big. Through countless calls, plans, and shared energy, Ichiraku Ramen House was born.
By early September, we had turned that dream into reality. On September 6, 2024, we opened the doors of Ichiraku Ramen House with the vision of offering a fresh, exciting ramen experience in our hometown.
A Powerful Start
The response was heartwarming. From day one, people loved what we built—our vibe, the food, the warmth, and the little anime-inspired details.
November and December 2024 were our peak months. We could feel the buzz—customers were lining up, sharing stories online, and coming back for more. It felt like we had built something special, and we were just getting started.
The Calm After the Storm
As 2025 began, the initial hype slowed. Sales weren’t as high, but we stayed grounded. We adjusted, optimized costs, experimented with offerings, and focused on keeping the experience consistent.
Even during these slower months, we were proud of how we kept the business lean and profitable.
A Sudden Setback
In March 2025, everything changed. A serious disagreement occurred between our property owner and my co-founder and friend who was running the restaurant on-ground. It escalated beyond repair, and we were given just 30 days to vacate the space we had built with so much love.
It was a painful blow. We had poured our hearts, time, and savings into this place. Seeing it come to a forced halt was difficult—but it also reminded us of something important: this was just a space, not the spirit of Ichiraku.
What’s Next for Ichiraku
We’re now actively searching for a new home for Ichiraku Ramen House—a place where we can revive that energy and bring our community back together.
This isn’t the end of our story. It’s a new beginning.
Ichiraku Ramen House was always more than a restaurant. It was a symbol of two friends chasing a shared vision, building something from scratch, and refusing to quit—even when the odds hit hard.
We’re coming back—with better ideas, stronger resolve, and the same love for ramen and community that started it all.
