KATSUYA
Overseas Franchise
Expansion Status
| Products and Services Offered | Katsudon (Pork Cutlet Rice Bowl), Loin Cutlet Set Meal, Katsu Curry, etc. (fast-food style) |
|---|---|
| Countries of Overseas Expansion | Hong Kong, Thailand, Taiwan (as of December 2024) |
| Number of Overseas Locations | Approx. 80 locations (primarily in Asia; as of December 2024) |
| Franchise Contract Type | Master Franchise Agreement (partnerships with leading local companies in each region) |
From Special Occasion
to Daily Staple. Since 1998.
KATSUYA, founded in Japan in 1998, redefined katsudon—previously a premium menu item at specialty restaurants—into a "daily meal" that is both affordable and served with remarkable speed.
Since its entry into Hong Kong in 2012, the brand has expanded across Asian markets, including Thailand and Taiwan. In Thailand, its strategic partnership with Central Restaurants Group, a major local conglomerate, has supported multi-store growth. In regions with strong rice-based food cultures, KATSUYA has secured a solid position as a provider of high-quality, high-value Japanese meals.
Key Features of
the Overseas Franchise
The Belt That
Replaced the Expert.
A critical differentiator for KATSUYA is its proprietary belt-conveyor "Auto-Fryer." This system automates the cooking process: simply placing the ingredients on the belt ensures consistent heat treatment every time.
This eliminates the need for highly skilled "frying masters," effectively addressing common overseas challenges such as labor shortages and quality inconsistency. Regardless of the operator, the brand’s signature crispy texture can be reproduced consistently, enabling rapid scaling without compromising brand value.
Designed for the Busiest
Corners of the City.
Unlike typical Japanese restaurants that focus on a slow "dining experience," KATSUYA prioritizes service speed through a specialized fast-food operational model.
By delivering orders within minutes, the brand aligns perfectly with the high-demand lunch needs of urban professionals and students. This model maximizes profitability through high seat turnover rather than relying on high-priced dinner service, making it exceptionally effective in high-traffic locations like train stations and food courts.
The Sweet Spot
Between Quality and Cost.
KATSUYA maintains an attainable, mid-to-low price point while offering a high level of satiety. While the core menu remains authentic, the brand successfully localizes through items like "Tom Yum Katsu-don" in Thailand to suit local palates.
By positioning itself as more hygienic than local street food yet more accessible than high-end Japanese dining, KATSUYA has won the loyalty of the middle-income mass market for everyday use.
Reviews from Store Visitors
Deep Fried Pork Cutlet Bowl
“The signature deep fried pork cutlet is crispy and not soggy at all. Highly recommend the tasty and fulfilling “Deep Fried Pork Cutlet Bowl”, which costs only $49!”
"Really nice little restaurant. I had the Tonkatsu pork with prawn set meal. Very crispy breaded pork cutlets and prawns. "
“Overall service was quick - wait staff speaks English and food was nice and hot .. what else can you ask for at a quick service restaurant.”
Just Like Eating in Japan!
“The service staff is very good, definitely not disappointed. Most importantly, each menu is very delicious, not allergic to eating in Japan at all. ”
“The quality of the tonkatsu/tempura dishes here are pretty amazing. They have different combinations so you can pick and choose however you feel like it.”
KATSUYA
Company Information
| Brand Name | KATSUYA |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Arcland Service Holdings Co., Ltd. |
| Head Office Location | Shin-Ochanomizu Building 14F, 4-3 Kanda Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan |
| Date of Establishment | March 1993 |
Built for Growth.
KATSUYA has successfully transformed the traditionally premium "katsudon" into a high-quality, everyday dining option. The speed enabled by its automated frying system is a strong competitive advantage, reflecting the efficiency and consistency often associated with Japanese food service operations.
This balance of speed, quality, and affordability positions the brand well for expansion in global urban markets. Overall, the model represents a practical and scalable opportunity for investors seeking stable growth in the food service sector.