Go Go Curry: Bringing Authentic Japanese Comfort Food to the World

Go Go Curry is a fast-casual restaurant franchise specializing in Kanazawa-style Japanese curry, a rich and hearty dish featuring a thick, dark curry sauce served over premium Koshihikari rice and topped with crispy katsu (pork, chicken, fish, or tofu).

Founded in 2003 by Hirokazu Miyamori in Tokyo, Japan, the brand draws inspiration from Miyamori's hometown of Kanazawa and his admiration for baseball legend Hideki Matsui, whose jersey number 55 ("Go Go" in Japanese) inspired the company's name .

The first U.S. location opened in 2007 near Times Square in New York City, marking the beginning of Go Go Curry's international expansion . The company began franchising in 2017 and has since established a presence in several U.S. states, including New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Texas . The U.S. headquarters is located at 315 W. 36th St., 5th Floor, New York, NY 10018 .

What sets Go Go Curry apart from competitors is its commitment to authenticity and quality. The curry sauce is prepared using a unique "55" process: stewed for 55 minutes and then matured for 5.5 hours, resulting in a deep, complex flavor .

Training

Go! Go! Curry provides comprehensive training programs to equip franchisees with the necessary skills and knowledge to operate their restaurants effectively. These programs are designed to ensure consistency and quality across all franchise locations.

1. Initial Training Program: This is mandatory for the franchisee, their Operating Principal, managers, and training staff. It consists of approximately four weeks (about 20 days) of classroom and hands-on training, usually held in New York or at another designated location. The training covers operations, food preparation, customer service, and management protocols.
2. On-Site Opening Support: After receiving approval to operate, franchisees may receive up to five days of on-site support at their location. This assistance is based on staff availability and aims to help with real-time operational setup and troubleshooting.
3. Certified Trainer Program: A staff member who completes the initial training can become a certified trainer, qualified to train other team members. However, the franchisor retains the right to decertify trainers if performance standards are not met.
4. Supplemental and Ongoing Training: Franchisees may be required to attend additional training programs, especially if performance issues arise. These are offered at a fee of $500 per person per day and cover updated procedures or business changes.
5. Pre-Training and Testing: Before attending the initial training, participants must complete web-based modules and pass a test. Failure to do so may result in a rescheduling fee of $5,000.

Territory Protection

Go! Go! Curry offers its franchisees a designated territory defined in the Franchise Agreement. This territory is typically determined based on the population within a five-mile radius or a minimum of 50,000 people who reside or work in that area.

Once established, franchisees are permitted to operate exclusively within this geographic area, and the franchisor agrees not to license another Go! Go! Curry restaurant within the same zone during the agreement's term.

However, this territory protection comes with important limitations. Go! Go! Curry retains the right to advertise, solicit business, and fulfill orders in the territory via online sales, mobile units, or non-traditional venues such as airports and sports arenas. Additionally, if the franchisor acquires another brand or system, it can operate those within the franchisee's area, and even offer co-branded services, without breaching territorial rights.