Sugakico Systems Announces New President and CEO

Sugakico Systems Co., Ltd. (headquartered in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture), marking its 80th year since founding, has decided to transition to a new management structure effective Wednesday, June 24, 2026.

Accordingly, Toshihito Sugaki, currently Managing Director, will assume the role of President & CEO, while current President & CEO Shinichi Sugaki will transition to Chairman of the Board. Under this new structure, the company will accelerate business expansion, building upon the foundation established since its founding, aiming to evolve into a company that endures for 100 and 150 years.

New President & CEO: Toshihito Sugaki

Background of Management Change

Since its founding in 1946 (Showa 21), the company has operated the ramen chain 'Sugakiya' with approximately 300 stores, primarily in the Tokai region, cultivating a unique food culture rooted in Nagoya. The one-of-a-kind 'Wafu Tonkotsu' broth, blending seafood and pork bone flavors, along with the tradition of enjoying sweets after meals, has been supported by many customers as a 'flavor enjoyable by three generations of families.'

On the occasion of its 80th anniversary, a major milestone, we are stepping into a new stage under our brand slogan 'Always together. Forever together.' to achieve further sustainable growth. While steadfastly preserving our traditional flavors, we will challenge ourselves to expand beyond existing frameworks and evolve into a more attractive company for our customers.

As the first step, we will re-enter the Kanto region in autumn/winter 2026—approximately 20 years after our previous withdrawal—and plan to open two stores in Kanagawa Prefecture within the year. Going forward, we aim to expand to 50 stores in the Kanto region within three years.

Additionally, the Ōsu Manshōji-dōri store, which closed in April, will reopen in July as the first revived Dom Dom Burger store in the Tokai region.

Moving forward, in addition to expanding Sugakiya beyond the Chukyo region, we will actively pursue the development of new business formats to drive future growth, as well as overseas expansion and M&A, striving to enhance sustainable corporate value.

New Management Structure (effective June 24, 2026)

Name

New Position

Previous Position

Shinichi Sugaki

Chairman of the Board

President & CEO

Toshihito Sugaki

President & CEO

Managing Director

Message from New President & CEO Toshihito Sugaki

Since our founding in 1946, we have cultivated a 'flavor beloved by three generations of families.' The reason our company has continued to exist for these 80 years is solely because local communities have embraced our products and services into their daily lives. We are deeply grateful.

The environment surrounding food has changed significantly in recent years. Due to rising raw material prices and increasing living costs, 'casually enjoying delicious food' is no longer as taken for granted as it once was. That is why we feel our purpose is being questioned anew today.

What we have refined over 80 years are the three values nurtured by our local communities: 'flavor,' 'value for money,' and 'ease of use.' We believe it is our responsibility, as the next generation, to further refine these values and expand the customers and regions we can reach. To achieve this, we aim to build a '1,000-store chain.'

The first step is our re-entry into the Kanto region after 20 years. From our previous withdrawal, we have learned much. We have thoroughly analyzed past challenges such as cost structure and insufficient brand communication, and are advancing kitchen reforms to ensure consistent deliciousness regardless of visit time, alleviate peak-hour congestion, and deliver products that leverage Sugakiya's strengths. We aim to expand to 50 stores within three years.

The key to supporting this challenge is 'people.' To enrich lives through food, we need genuine professionals in every field—planning, marketing, procurement, manufacturing, logistics, product development, store development, operations, and education. We believe that only an organization where each employee takes pride in their work can deliver the best to our customers. We will create an environment where both next-generation leaders and on-site specialists can challenge themselves with the greatest pride in the industry.

Furthermore, beyond the Sugakiya brand, we will expand the possibilities of food through the development of new business formats that respond to diverse lifestyles, overseas market entry, and M&A.

We sincerely appreciate your continued support and patronage.

[Career Summary]

May 2009: Graduated from Pepperdine University, School of International Business

June 2009: Joined Nisshin Seifun Group (left in May 2013)

June 2013: Joined SUGAKIYA FOODS Co., Ltd.

April 2014: Appointed Deputy General Manager, Business Headquarters

April 2015: Joined Sugakico Systems Co., Ltd.

June 2015: Appointed Director at Sugakico Systems and SUGAKIYA FOODS

October 2016: Appointed General Manager, Overseas Business Division, Sugakico Systems

June 2017: Appointed Senior Managing Director and Head of Business Operations

November 2020: Appointed Representative Director, Five Recipe Co., Ltd.

June 2021: Appointed Chairman, Social Welfare Corporation Fukujyu (resigned March 2025)

June 2022: Appointed Managing Director, Sugakico Systems

June 2024: Appointed President & CEO, Five Recipe Co., Ltd.

June 2026: Appointed President & CEO, Sugakico Systems Co., Ltd. (planned)

Company Overview

Official Name: Sugakico Systems Co., Ltd.

Business: Fast food service chain with serial products as core offerings

Head Office: 1-16-2 Marunouchi, Naka-ku, Nagoya

URL: https://www.sugakico.co.jp/

Founded: March 1946

Under the brand message 'Always together. Forever together,' Sugakico Systems is committed to delivering freshly made deliciousness, smiles, and clean, safe stores. By continuously dedicating ourselves to our craft, we aim to become a company where traditional flavors and new delicious experiences are always, forever, and everywhere accessible, striving to bring enjoyment to as many customers as possible.

We will further develop 'Sugakiya,' known for its Wafu Tonkotsu ramen and sweets; 'Sugakiya,' offering premium Wafu Tonkotsu ramen; and 'Shanghai Tangpao Xiaoguan,' an authentic Chinese restaurant operated by group company Five Recipe, to meet a wider range of customer needs than ever before.