KATSUYA
KATSUYA is a Japan-born tonkatsu and katsudon brand founded in 1998, now operating approximately 80 overseas locations, primarily in Asia. 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 | 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 partnership with Central Restaurants Group, a major local conglomerate, has supported multi-store growth. In regions with strong rice-based food cultures, KATSUYA has built a consistent presence as an accessible Japanese meal option.
Key Features of
the Overseas Franchise
The Belt That
Replaced the Expert.
What stands out about 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 reduces reliance on highly skilled "frying masters," 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 — which is what makes the format work across different markets.
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 builds its revenue around lunchtime turnover rather than relying on high-priced dinner service, which tends to work well 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.
Sitting between street food and high-end Japanese dining in both price and setting, KATSUYA has built a consistent following among middle-income consumers 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 |
I've spent time watching Japanese fast-casual brands try to make katsu affordable overseas. Most of them end up choosing between the two — texture or cost control, rarely both. What caught my attention with KATSUYA is the auto-fryer — not as a cost-cutting move, but as a consistency mechanism.
The Bangkok reviewer who noted 'service was quick' and the Hong Kong reviewer who called the cutlet 'crispy and not soggy at all' were eating at different stores, in different markets. The result was the same.