Ivan Ramen Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Ivan Ramen serves authentic Japanese ramen and other dishes, offering a unique and flavorful dining experience.

Ivan Ramen is a distinctive ramen restaurant chain founded by Chef Ivan Orkin. Orkin's journey into the culinary world began with a dishwashing job at a sushi bar when he was 15, sparking a lifelong passion for Japanese culture and cuisine. In 2006, Orkin opened his first ramen shop in Tokyo's Setagaya neighborhood, a bold move that led to remarkable success in Japan's esteemed ramen scene.

Building on his success in Japan, Orkin returned to the United States and established Ivan Ramen in New York City. The flagship restaurant opened at 25 Clinton Street on the Lower East Side, offering a menu that blends authentic Japanese flavors with innovative twists. Dishes feature rich broths, handcrafted noodles, and unique toppings, reflecting Orkin's deep understanding of both Japanese and American culinary traditions.

In 2021, Ivan Ramen Franchising LLC was formed, marking the beginning of the brand's expansion through franchising. The company's principal business address is 42 Maple Street, Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522. The franchise offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to operate casual dining restaurants specializing in ramen and other Japanese-inspired dishes.

Ivan Ramen differentiates itself by combining traditional Japanese ramen techniques with Orkin's unique culinary perspective, appealing to a diverse clientele. The brand's commitment to quality ingredients, meticulous preparation, and a welcoming dining experience has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated following.

Initial investment

Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $35,000
Training expenses $10,000 - $15,000
Real property (whether purchased or leased) $60,000 - $180,000
Construction, remodeling, and leasehold improvements $500,000 - $1,100,000
Office equipment and supplies, décor, furnishings and fixtures $75,000
Computer hardware and software and point of sale system $3,600
Inventory to begin operating $20,000 - $27,000
Security deposits, utility deposits, business licenses/permits, and other prepaid expenses $15,000 - $25,000
Organizational expenses – professional fees, agreements and governmental filings $10,000 - $15,000
Uniforms $300 - $500
Signs $5,000 - $10,000
Insurance $55,000 - $65,000
Opening advertising $0 - $15,000
Pre-opening payroll expenses $85,600 – $116,000
Additional funds (initial period – 3 months) $150,000 - $300,000
TOTAL $1,024,500 to $1,982,100
Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $35,000
Training expenses $10,000 - $15,000
Real property (whether purchased or leased) $60,000 - $180,000
Construction, remodeling, and leasehold improvements $500,000 - $1,100,000
Office equipment and supplies, décor, furnishings and fixtures $75,000
Computer hardware and software and point of sale system $3,600
Inventory to begin operating $20,000 - $27,000
Security deposits, utility deposits, business licenses/permits, and other prepaid expenses $15,000 - $25,000
Organizational expenses – professional fees, agreements and governmental filings $10,000 - $15,000
Uniforms $300 - $500
Signs $5,000 - $10,000
Insurance $55,000 - $65,000
Opening advertising $0 - $15,000
Pre-opening payroll expenses $85,600 – $116,000
Additional funds (initial period – 3 months) $150,000 - $300,000
TOTAL $1,024,500 to $1,982,100

Franchise Disclosure Document

Number of units

Training

The Ivan Ramen franchise provides a structured and multi-phase training program for its franchisees and key personnel. Here's a breakdown of the training programs offered by the franchisor:

  1. Initial Training Program: This is a mandatory program for the franchisee (if an individual), the Operations Manager, the Trainer, and the Restaurant Chef. It typically takes place at the franchisor’s facilities in New York City and includes instructional materials such as Brand Standards, recipes, photos, and videos. The program must be completed before the restaurant opens. It is included in the Initial Franchise Fee, but any additional or subsequent trainees incur a charge of $2,500 per person.
  2. Post-Opening Training: If any new Operations Managers, Trainers, or Chefs are appointed after the restaurant has opened, they must attend and complete the next scheduled Initial Training Program, again at a cost of $2,500 per person.
  3. Annual Conferences and Ongoing Training: The franchisor may organize annual conferences, conventions, or training sessions that are required for the franchisee and Operations Manager. These sessions are designed to update and reinforce the operational standards of the brand.

Territory Protection

Ivan Ramen grants franchisees a defined “Franchise Territory,” but it is not exclusive. Franchisees may face competition from other franchisees, company-owned outlets, or other distribution channels, including online platforms and grocery sales.

If a franchisee signs an Area Development Agreement, they receive a “Development Territory” with protections for each restaurant. However, failing to meet $1.25 million in annual revenue may result in the loss of these protections.

Competitors

Below are some of

Ivan Ramen

key competitors in the

Asian

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Initial fee
Total investment
Revenue
Upgrade
Gross Profit
Upgrade
EBITDA
Upgrade

0

New
+
n.a.
n.a.

$35,000

$1,025,000

$1,982,000

n.a.

$0

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

Competitors

PokiTomik

PokiTomik is a fast-casual restaurant franchise offering poke bowls, sushi burritos, and Asian-fusion dishes, serving health-minded guests seeking customizable meals, and known for fresh proteins, vibrant toppings, quick-service formats, and contemporary branding tailored to busy urban and neighborhood locations.

Franchisees

?

0
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$128,000 - $288,000

Vegan District

Vegan District is a plant-based restaurant franchise offering vegan comfort foods and beverages, serving health-conscious diners and ethically minded consumers, and known for indulgent yet animal-free menus, contemporary branding, and positioning within the rapidly growing plant-based dining market segment.

Franchisees

?

0
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$98,000 - $358,000

Kuma Ani

Kuma Ani is an Asian-food franchise offering ramen, donburi and ban mein bowls, serving quick-service diners and urban food-lovers, and known for authentic flavours, streamlined operations and investment starting around $345k-$544k.

Franchisees

?

0
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$345,000 - $544,000

Joju

Joju is a fast-casual café franchise offering artisan beverages, premium coffee and café fare, serving urban professionals and café-goers, and known for minimalist design, craft quality and an experiential café concept.

Franchisees

?

1
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$216,000 - $399,000

The Flame Broiler

The Flame Broiler is a fast-casual Asian-rice-bowl franchise offering chicken, beef, tofu and rice or salad bowls, serving health- and value-focused diners, and known for simple model, quick service, and proven franchising system.

Franchisees

?

120
+
-21%
-21%
Investment

?

$411,000 - $715,000

Rooster & Rice

Rooster & Rice is a fast-casual chicken-rice franchise offering Khao Mun Gai and minimalist menu bowls, serving young professionals and casual diners, and known for streamlined operations, high-quality flavor and fast growth across markets.

Franchisees

?

1
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$336,000 - $530,000