Garden Co., Ltd. Achieves 100 'Ichikakuya x Aburasoba Sokehonten' Hybrid Stores in Just 100 Days, Aiming for World's Top Aburasoba Chain

Garden Co., Ltd. (HQ: Shinjuku, Tokyo; President: Ken Kawashima), operator of the 'Aburasoba Sokehonten' brand, is accelerating the expansion of its 'Dual-Wielding Hybrid' stores that utilize the existing network of 'Ichikakuya' and affiliated stores.

The company has significantly shortened its timeline for this expansion, reaching its 100-store goal—originally set for the end of the year—in just 100 days since the reopening of the first Ichikakuya Shibuya Center-gai store, as it moves toward its goal of becoming the world's number one aburasoba chain.

Garden defines its 'Dual-Wielding Hybrid' strategy as the expansion of hybrid stores that add the products and branding of 'Aburasoba Sokehonten' to existing 'Ichikakuya' locations, leveraging the existing store assets such as prime station-front locations, kitchen facilities, and staff. By utilizing these existing assets, the company builds a model that suppresses initial investment compared to new openings and contributes to both rapid expansion and improved profitability.

About the 'Dual-Wielding Hybrid' Strategy:

The company's 'Dual-Wielding Hybrid' strategy involves operating two brands simultaneously within a single store—'Ichikakuya' and 'Aburasoba Sokehonten.' This innovative operational strategy maximizes the store assets of existing 'Ichikakuya' locations (prime location, kitchen equipment, personnel) and combines the strengths of both brands to achieve an overwhelming high-profit model with minimal initial investment and fixed costs.

This approach has allowed for rapid store expansion and improved investment efficiency, achieving 100 stores in 100 days, primarily in station-front locations across the Tokyo metropolitan area, aiming for the title of world's number one aburasoba chain.

About 'Ichikakuya':

'Ichikakuya' offers Yokohama-style 'iekei' ramen, characterized by rich, creamy pork bone broth and firm, medium-thick noodles, with a motto that emphasizes a flavor once tasted, becomes addictive. With over 100 locations nationwide, it continues to serve high-quality ramen.

About 'Aburasoba Sokehonten':

'Aburasoba Sokehonten' offers aburasoba (oil-based noodles) featuring chewy medium-thick noodles and a flavorful, dashi-based secret sauce. Customers can enjoy the standard version or customize their own bowl with a wide variety of toppings and seasonings. It is marketed as a healthier yet filling alternative to traditional ramen.

About Garden Co., Ltd.:

Under the mission of providing spaces where everyone involved can find happiness, energy, and smiles, Garden operates both food service and real estate businesses. Since its founding, the company has succeeded in rebuilding and regenerating over 12 companies through M&A. Entering the food service industry in 2006, it now manages 12 brands, including 'Ichikakuya,' 'Yamashita Honki Udon,' 'Manbaken,' and 'Takadaya.' Leveraging synergies with its real estate business, it focuses on a 'prime location strategy' and aims for continuous growth in the number of stores for its core brands.