Asian subcategories like Korean and Hawaiian fare grew at a staggering pace in 2024, including two of the top five fastest growing brands by unit count — KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot and Kyuramen.

Zoom in a little closer and you’ll notice that Kyuramen’s 58.5% sales growth and 62.5%-unit count growth illustrate yet another sub-category trend: Ramen. We’re not talking instant ramen, like Maruchan, that is found on grocery shelves, though tip of the cap to those pioneers who democratized the popular Japanese noodles typically served in a flavorful broth.

Instead, we’re talking ramen-centric concepts, like Karuramen, with carefully created menus developed by “ramen masters,” and featuring ramen noodles served with everything from braised pork belly to marinated eggs to kimchi.

Ramen has experienced a material surge in popularity in the U.S., driven by several factors such as convenience, diverse flavors, and a staggering growth in the Japanese population. According to the Pew Research Center, the Japanese demographic has grown by about 36% in the past 20 years. Those aren’t the only factors, however.

“Ramen has evolved from a niche dish into a popular favorite in the U.S., especially among Gen Z and Millennial diners who are interested in globally inspired flavors and immersive food experiences,” said Jinya Ramen Bar founder and chief executive officer Tomo Takahashi. “It’s comfort food and it’s also highly customizable. Diners enjoy the option to personalize their dishes, and we offer a variety of toppings that pair perfectly with our ramen dishes. The rise of anime, Japanese street culture, and travel content on social media has also fueled curiosity and demand.”

Jinya Ramen Bar (No. 231) and Kyuramen (No. 424) both made their way into the Technomic 500 in 2024. Jinya’s sales grew 10.5% year-over-year, to $170.5 million, while its unit count jumped 21.4% to just under 70 locations. Average unit volumes were about $2.7 million.

Takahashi said this strong growth was driven by a focus on quality and guest experience. Those will continue to be the company’s North Stars as the category becomes more crowded. For instance, Jinya’s menu includes slow-cooked broths simmered in-house for 20 hours, as well as hand-crafted noodles. The company is also leaning into collaborations, seasonal limited-time offerings, and “elevated beverages.” As Jinya marks its 15^th anniversary this year, the company also plans to expand its digital presence and loyalty program, while targeting 80 total locations — including in new markets — by the end of the year.

“As ramen becomes more mainstream, guests are seeking out brands that feel both authentic and elevated — and that’s where Jinya delivers,” Takahashi said. “As more players enter the ramen space, what sets us apart is our scale, consistency, and the strong connection we’ve built with fans over the years.”

Meanwhile, Kyuramen’s sales were up 58.5%, to $74.2 million, while it finished 2024 with just under 40 locations, equating to a 62.5% year-over-year increase. Its AUVs are around $2.4 million.

Notably, several other ramen players have broken into the top 1,500 —most driven by double-digit sales and unit count. They include: