Next week’s opening of a sixth Tonkostu site will be followed by two more openings from the Tsuru Sushi group, M&C understands.
The Emma Reynolds and Ken Yamada-led group are due to open the new restaurant next Saturday at 7 Blenheim Cresent, Notting Hill.
Reynolds said the group were continuing to look for more Zone 1 sites and planned to open two more restaurants by the end of the year.
Despite converting its Tsuru Sushi restaurant in Bankside to a Tonrekotsu format last year, Reynolds said the remaining two Tsuru sites were performing well and there were no more conversions planned.
“They’re good as they are, we’ve just decided to not develop that brand further right now.”
Tonkotsu had performed well over the winter months, she said.
“It’s a slightly seasonal business, there’s a bit of a swing from summer to winter – it’s good ramen weather at the moment.”
Reynolds said Londoners had been very receptive to the ramen concept and there was scope to expand the concept beyond Zone 1 into residential areas in Zone 2 and 3.
“There’s a market for ramen out there for sure.”
The group was also in the process of moving its head office to prepare for growing finance and marketing teams and were refining menus with plans to feature new collaborative dishes.
“We’re talking to some chefs about a cool new Indian concept – a curry ramen – which will run for a month or two.
“That’s something that worked out really well last time and it’s quite good fun. I’m hoping to do a couple more things like that this year as well as get the other sites open.”
