Sukiya
Sukiya is a widely recognized Japan-born gyudon (beef bowl) brand founded in 1982, now operating over 650 overseas locations across multiple countries. This page covers its overseas expansion status, key operational features, and franchise contract types for international operators.
Overseas Franchise
Expansion Status
| Products and Services Offered | Gyudon (Beef Bowl), Curry, Ramen, Matcha Drinks, and more (Japanese Fast Food) |
|---|---|
| Countries of Overseas Expansion | China, Brazil, Thailand, Malaysia, Mexico, Taiwan, Indonesia, Vietnam (As of the end of March 2025) |
| Number of Overseas Locations | Over 650 stores (As of the end of March 2025) |
| Franchise Contract Type | Directly Managed (Operated by local subsidiaries) |
Gyudon, Ramen,
and 650 Stores.
Just the Beginning.
Founded in 1982, Sukiya is a widely expanded gyudon chain in Japan. Its overseas store expansion is primarily conducted through a direct management system by local subsidiaries.
Starting with its entry into Sao Paulo, Brazil, in 2008, the brand has expanded into China, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, currently operating over 650 overseas stores (as of the end of March 2025).
A defining feature of its overseas expansion is moving beyond the confines of a specialized gyudon store to offer a combined menu centered on highly demanded ramen. By positioning itself as a casual dining experience with table service rather than a self-service fast food format, the brand successfully attracts families and group customers.
Key Features of
the Overseas Franchise
From Farm to Bowl.
No Middlemen. No Surprises.
The Mass Merchandising System (MMD) built by the operator is a vertically integrated business model that consistently manages everything from raw material procurement to manufacturing, logistics, and store sales in-house.
This system, which eliminates intermediary costs, enables a stable supply of ingredients meeting global safety standards. In overseas markets experiencing severe inflation and fluctuating logistics costs, the headquarters' supply chain suppresses procurement expenses to support business stability.
Order Gyudon. Add Ramen.
Stay Longer.
Overseas Sukiya locations feature authentic ramen, curry, and matcha sweets as core offerings alongside gyudon. Particularly in Asia and South America, there is a consistent pattern of ordering gyudon and ramen together, which tends to push the average check higher than a single-item order would.
The extensive menu composition provides value as a dining destination regardless of whether it is lunch or dinner. The result is a menu that draws people in at different times of day — not just during a single peak hour.
Halal Certification.
A Passport to High-Barrier Markets.
In Islamic markets such as Indonesia and Malaysia, the brand has developed proprietary menus excluding pork-derived ingredients and successfully acquired Halal certification.
This approach — adapting menus to local religious requirements while keeping the Japanese quality standard — has opened markets that most food chains skip entirely. Few operators have built a working playbook for it.
Reviews from Store Visitors
"Our first visit to this restaurant, we had Katsu Curry and San Shoku Don which were both very nice and good value for money, service was very fast!"
"It's a nice place for those willing to eat Japanese food but not sushi or similar dishes. The service is always good and fast and the prices are not very high."
"Excellent Japanese food for low price, specially the gyo-don variety. The service is also very good."
"I really loved the ramen I tried the one with pork , totally worth it , cheap and really good taste ,"
"Delicious food, very good raw materials, like decorating the restaurant. And good services of staff."
Sukiya
Company Information
| Brand Name | Sukiya |
|---|---|
| Company Name | ZENSHO HOLDINGS CO., LTD. |
| Head Office Location | JR Shinagawa East Bldg., 2-18-1 Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo |
| Date of Establishment | June 1982 |
【Quick Poll】What's driving your interest in a Japanese food franchise?
※ Click to see how others voted.
Just Really Good.
Reviews saying 'the ramen is amazing too' — that comes up a lot, and honestly it makes sense. Japanese food abroad still means high-end sushi to most people, so stumbling onto something this varied and this affordable apparently catches people off guard in a good way.
That 'wait, what do I actually want today?' feeling — gyudon, ramen, curry — most fast food doesn't give you that. Kind of think that's the whole point.