KINKA Family, owners of the popular Canadian Kinton Ramen chain, continues its rapid expansion across the country with plans to exceed 50 locations by the end of the year.
Currently operating 47 restaurants, the brand’s aggressive growth strategy includes significant moves into new markets, from the Greater Toronto Area to Western Canada and into the East Coast. The company’s ability to tap into the growing demand for authentic Japanese cuisine, particularly ramen, positions it as one of the most exciting players in Canada’s dynamic foodservice landscape.
Targeting a youthful, multicultural demographic aged 18-35, KINKA Family’s success lies in its strategic location choices. The chain focuses on dense urban centres near universities and vibrant, multicultural communities.
With a footprint already in cities like Calgary, Vancouver, and Winnipeg, the brand is now expanding into major urban hubs such as Victoria, Oakville, and Waterloo. It also plans to explore new locations in high-growth regions, positioning itself for continued national dominance.
Looking ahead, KINKA Family’s growth trajectory is set to accelerate. The company is eyeing over 100 locations across Canada within the next five years, capitalizing on the increasing consumer appetite for ramen and other Japanese culinary experiences.
As tastes evolve, the brand is benefiting from the booming popularity of ramen among younger generations, a trend that shows no signs of slowing down. With a robust pipeline of sites under construction and a clear vision for future growth, KINKA Family is poised to become a household name in Canadian dining.
Karalyn White, Senior Director of Franchising, said the brand looks to expand to areas that are very dense with its target demographic, which is 18 to 35.
“We also have a very multicultural demographic, so places in urban centres close to universities and things like that. We also require about 1,700 square feet. That’s our sweet spot.”
The space allows for seating of between 40 to 60.
“Predominantly, our restaurants are in Toronto proper. We have expanded into many outskirts, like Oakville. We’re looking to open in Waterloo soon, and we’re opening soon in Barrie. We’ve got one in Newmarket as well. We’re targeting all the GTA locations. Next, we’re focused on the West. Right now, we’re looking for sites in Niagara and a second site in Oakville. We’re looking in Cambridge for sites, and then next, we’ll be looking east toward Pickering.”
“In Manitoba, we have one and are targeting another in Winnipeg. In Calgary, we’ve got one open. We have three under construction there. In Edmonton, we have two signed and one under construction. We’re looking for about two more sites.
“In BC, we have five open, most in the Greater Vancouver area. One is in Kelowna. We have two under construction in Victoria, and we’re targeting Nanaimo and Whistler for sites. We also have one under construction in Coquitlam. We are definitely targeting all the other urban areas in BC.”
White said sushi has been on people’s radars for a long time.
“I think ramen is the next evolution in both franchising and growth. People just love it. My two kids, in their early teens, are all about ramen. Fifteen years ago, people were all about sushi, but now, they’re all about ramen. I think the younger demographic is really driving that, and they’re dragging their parents along. Their parents are getting into it, too. The flavours are just amazing. It’s something that Asian culture has been eating for hundreds of years, but it’s relatively new to the Canadian population, and it’s growing exponentially.”
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I recently moves into a brand new highrise in downtown Hamilton along King William Street “restaurant row” and a Kinton Ramen is opening in my building and I’m so excited for it. Also a Wingstop as well!