Tokumine told BigHospitality he has secured a 40-cover 2,200 sq.ft site at 100 New Oxford Street, where he felt there would be ‘high demand’ for the concept.
Traditional Japanese udon, sushi, and sides will be on the menu as Ichiryu looks to target the health conscious City lunch market.
“We always wanted to try a new concept,” said Tokumine.
“Ramen and udon both originated from Hakata in South Japan, where I am from. I wanted to bring my local home town food to England, where people don’t have the opportunity to enjoy it.”
Shoryu expansion
Tokumine is also set to expand his Shoryu Ramen concept, with a Covent Garden restaurant opening in January.
The group is launching its first Manchester site in January 2016, as part of a plan to roll out three restaurants in the city.
Shoryu has also been offered a site at Oxford’s Westgate Shopping Centre, which is currently being redeveloped to open in autumn 2017.
Tokumine said: “As we grow the ramen concept we will grow the udon concept as well. It all depends on the area. We receive a lot of offers from property developers so it depends on the location and the size [of the site] whether we put Shoryu or Ichiryu in there.”
Since launching in 2012 Shoryu Ramen has opened at Regent Street, Soho, Kingly Court and the new Broadgate Circle development.