Breakthrough in Just 43 Days! As of June 9th (Tue), "Ichikakuya Kachidoki Store" marks the 30th cumulative renewal opening of "Ichikakuya x Aburasoba Sohonpo" direct-managed "Nitoryu Hybrid Stores".
Key facts
- Breakthrough in Just 43 Days! As of June 9th (Tue), "Ichikakuya Kachidoki Store" marks the 30th cumulative renewal opening of "Ichikakuya x Aburasoba Sohonpo" direct-managed "Nitoryu Hybrid Stores".
- Garden Co., Ltd.'s "Aburasoba Sohonpo" is accelerating its "Nitoryu Hybrid Store" expansion in collaboration with "Ichikakuya," reaching a cumulative total of 30 stores as of June 9th. This achievement, accomplished in 43 days, significantly beat their initial target, and they aim for 100 directly managed stores within 100 days.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: June 13, 2026
Direct answer
Garden Co., Ltd.'s "Aburasoba Sohonpo" is accelerating its "Nitoryu Hybrid Store" expansion in collaboration with "Ichikakuya," reaching a cumulative total of 30 stores as of June 9th. This achievement, accomplished in 43 days, significantly beat their initial target, and they aim for 100 directly managed stores within 100 days.
- Citation
- Breakthrough in Just 43 Days! As of June 9th (Tue), "Ichikakuya Kachidoki Store" marks the 30th cumulative renewal opening of "Ichikakuya x Aburasoba Sohonpo" direct-managed "Nitoryu Hybrid Stores". (June 13, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- June 13, 2026
Garden Co., Ltd.'s "Aburasoba Sohonpo" is accelerating its "Nitoryu Hybrid Store" expansion in collaboration with "Ichikakuya," reaching a cumulative total of 30 stores as of June 9th. This achievement, accomplished in 43 days, significantly beat their initial target, and they aim for 100 directly managed stores within 100 days.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: June 13, 2026 at 00:30
- 🔍 Collected: June 12, 2026 at 15:51
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 12, 2026 at 16:51 (1h 0m after Collected)
Garden Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Ken Kawashima; hereinafter "the Company") is accelerating the development of "Nitoryu Hybrid Stores," which utilize the store network of "Ichikakuya" and its affiliated stores, with its "Aburasoba Sohonpo" brand.
Furthermore, with the renewal opening of "Ichikakuya Kachidoki Store" on June 9th (Tuesday), the number of "Nitoryu Hybrid Stores" has surpassed a cumulative total of 30. Although the initial goal was to renew 30 stores by the end of the year (approximately 248 days), this target was shortened by about 205 days, achieving the breakthrough of 30 stores in "just 43 days" from the renewal opening of the first store, Ichikakuya Shibuya Center Gai Store. We will continue to aim for a system of 100 directly managed stores in 100 days.
The Company positions the expansion of composite hybrid stores, which add the products and signage of "Aburasoba Sohonpo" to "Ichikakuya," as a "Nitoryu Hybrid" strategy, while leveraging existing stores in prime locations near stations and in bustling areas, along with their equipment and operational infrastructure. By utilizing the assets of existing stores, we are building a store model that is easier to deploy in a short period and contributes to improved profitability compared to new store openings, with reduced initial investment.
■ About the "Nitoryu Hybrid" Strategy
Our "Nitoryu Hybrid" strategy is an innovative store operation strategy that achieves an overwhelmingly high profit model with extremely low initial and fixed costs by adding "Aburasoba Sohonpo" to "Ichikakuya" within a single store, operating two brands simultaneously, and maximizing the utilization of existing "Ichikakuya" store assets (location, kitchen equipment, personnel) while combining the strengths of both.
This will enable rapid store expansion and improved investment efficiency, aiming to achieve 100 stores in 100 days, primarily in station areas within Tokyo and its three surrounding prefectures, and to become the world's number one aburasoba chain.
■ About "Ichikakuya"
"Ichikakuya" offers Yokohama-style Iekei ramen, characterized by its medium-thick noodles with a focus on the aroma and deep flavor of wheat, paired with a rich, creamy, and mellow tonkotsu (pork bone) soup, under the slogan: "Get hooked after the first bite. Unforgettable after the second. Can't stop after the third." To deliver this meticulously crafted Iekei ramen to many customers, Ichikakuya operates over 100 stores nationwide.
* Website: https://ichikakuya.com/
* Store Information: https://gardengroup.co.jp/brand/ichikakuya/
■ About "Aburasoba Sohonpo"
"Aburasoba Sohonpo" offers aburasoba (soupless ramen) made with medium-thick, chewy noodles developed through extensive research, and a special sauce with a rich dashi (Japanese soup stock) and exquisite flavor. Customers can enjoy it as is, or create their own original bowl with a variety of toppings and seasonings. Enjoy a satisfying meal that is healthier than ramen.
■ About Garden Co., Ltd.
Under the mission of "Providing spaces where people involved with our company can become happy, energetic, and smile," we operate in the food and beverage and real estate businesses. Since our founding, we have succeeded in "corporate reconstruction" and "business revitalization" through M&A for over 12 companies, leading to business expansion. In the food and beverage business, which we entered in 2006, we operate a variety of restaurant formats under 13 brands, including "Ichikakuya," "Yamashita Honki Udon," "Manbaken," and "Takadaya."
Leveraging synergies with our real estate business, we aim to further expand the number of stores for our main brands through a "prime location strategy" focusing on locations near stations.
Company Name: Garden Co., Ltd.
Stock Code: Tokyo Stock Exchange Standard Market 274A
Established: December 2015
Capital: 2,391 million yen *As of the end of February 2026
Number of Employees: Full-time employees: 289, Part-time employees: 3,594 *As of the end of February 2026
Number of Stores: 213 stores (including 34 franchise stores) *As of June 8, 2026
■ Inquiries Regarding This Matter
Garden Co., Ltd. "Ichikakuya" Inquiry Desk
URL: https://gardengroup.co.jp/brand/ichikakuya/contact/
Garden Co., Ltd. "Aburasoba Sohonpo" Inquiry Desk
URL: https://gardengroup.co.jp/brand/darumanome/contact/
Furthermore, with the renewal opening of "Ichikakuya Kachidoki Store" on June 9th (Tuesday), the number of "Nitoryu Hybrid Stores" has surpassed a cumulative total of 30. Although the initial goal was to renew 30 stores by the end of the year (approximately 248 days), this target was shortened by about 205 days, achieving the breakthrough of 30 stores in "just 43 days" from the renewal opening of the first store, Ichikakuya Shibuya Center Gai Store. We will continue to aim for a system of 100 directly managed stores in 100 days.
The Company positions the expansion of composite hybrid stores, which add the products and signage of "Aburasoba Sohonpo" to "Ichikakuya," as a "Nitoryu Hybrid" strategy, while leveraging existing stores in prime locations near stations and in bustling areas, along with their equipment and operational infrastructure. By utilizing the assets of existing stores, we are building a store model that is easier to deploy in a short period and contributes to improved profitability compared to new store openings, with reduced initial investment.
■ About the "Nitoryu Hybrid" Strategy
Our "Nitoryu Hybrid" strategy is an innovative store operation strategy that achieves an overwhelmingly high profit model with extremely low initial and fixed costs by adding "Aburasoba Sohonpo" to "Ichikakuya" within a single store, operating two brands simultaneously, and maximizing the utilization of existing "Ichikakuya" store assets (location, kitchen equipment, personnel) while combining the strengths of both.
This will enable rapid store expansion and improved investment efficiency, aiming to achieve 100 stores in 100 days, primarily in station areas within Tokyo and its three surrounding prefectures, and to become the world's number one aburasoba chain.
■ About "Ichikakuya"
"Ichikakuya" offers Yokohama-style Iekei ramen, characterized by its medium-thick noodles with a focus on the aroma and deep flavor of wheat, paired with a rich, creamy, and mellow tonkotsu (pork bone) soup, under the slogan: "Get hooked after the first bite. Unforgettable after the second. Can't stop after the third." To deliver this meticulously crafted Iekei ramen to many customers, Ichikakuya operates over 100 stores nationwide.
* Website: https://ichikakuya.com/
* Store Information: https://gardengroup.co.jp/brand/ichikakuya/
■ About "Aburasoba Sohonpo"
"Aburasoba Sohonpo" offers aburasoba (soupless ramen) made with medium-thick, chewy noodles developed through extensive research, and a special sauce with a rich dashi (Japanese soup stock) and exquisite flavor. Customers can enjoy it as is, or create their own original bowl with a variety of toppings and seasonings. Enjoy a satisfying meal that is healthier than ramen.
■ About Garden Co., Ltd.
Under the mission of "Providing spaces where people involved with our company can become happy, energetic, and smile," we operate in the food and beverage and real estate businesses. Since our founding, we have succeeded in "corporate reconstruction" and "business revitalization" through M&A for over 12 companies, leading to business expansion. In the food and beverage business, which we entered in 2006, we operate a variety of restaurant formats under 13 brands, including "Ichikakuya," "Yamashita Honki Udon," "Manbaken," and "Takadaya."
Leveraging synergies with our real estate business, we aim to further expand the number of stores for our main brands through a "prime location strategy" focusing on locations near stations.
Company Name: Garden Co., Ltd.
Stock Code: Tokyo Stock Exchange Standard Market 274A
Established: December 2015
Capital: 2,391 million yen *As of the end of February 2026
Number of Employees: Full-time employees: 289, Part-time employees: 3,594 *As of the end of February 2026
Number of Stores: 213 stores (including 34 franchise stores) *As of June 8, 2026
■ Inquiries Regarding This Matter
Garden Co., Ltd. "Ichikakuya" Inquiry Desk
URL: https://gardengroup.co.jp/brand/ichikakuya/contact/
Garden Co., Ltd. "Aburasoba Sohonpo" Inquiry Desk
URL: https://gardengroup.co.jp/brand/darumanome/contact/
FAQ
What are the benefits of "Nitoryu Hybrid Stores"?
By utilizing existing store assets (location, equipment, personnel), initial investment is reduced while offering two popular brands simultaneously, achieving both profitability and rapid expansion.
How were 30 stores achieved in just 43 days?
By renovating existing stores rather than opening new ones, rapid deployment became possible. Synergies between the brands also contributed.
What are the challenges in achieving future goals?
Challenges include maintaining and improving operations alongside rapid store expansion, securing and training human resources, and preserving brand value.
Can this strategy be applied to other restaurant companies?
It can be a valuable reference for companies with similar brand portfolios or those aiming to effectively utilize existing stores.
What strengths does the company have in aiming to be the "World's No.1 Aburasoba Chain"?
Strengths include the ability for rapid store network expansion, an efficient business model, and the brand management expertise cultivated with "Ichikakuya."