Yoshinoya is a global fast-casual restaurant franchise known for its signature beef rice bowl and Japanese donburi offerings. The brand was founded in 1899 in Tokyo’s Nihonbashi fish market by Eikichi Matsuda, and the company is now part of Yoshinoya Holdings Co., Ltd., headquartered in Chūō-ku, Tokyo, Japan.

Yoshinoya began its international expansion and franchise operations IN 1996 through regional subsidiaries such as Asia Yoshinoya International and Yoshinoya America, Inc., building a network across Asia and the United States where it now serves millions of customers annually.

The restaurant sells fresh, affordable Japanese-style meals—especially the iconic gyūdon (beef bowl)—alongside chicken or combo bowls, miso soup, and other rice-bowl variations.

What differentiates Yoshinoya from many of its competitors is its deep heritage, spanning more than a century, and its focus on Japanese rice-bowl dining rather than burgers or sandwiches. The brand emphasizes speed, simplicity, and consistency across its outlets, maintaining a strong connection to its origins in Tokyo’s traditional fish-market culture.

Training

Yoshinoya requires franchisees to complete a rigorous training program to ensure consistent operations across all locations. The franchisor’s training system is organized into several key programs:

1. Initial Management Training Program
   Before opening the restaurant, the franchisee and designated managers (called “Required Trainees”) must complete this 6- to 8-week program. It involves 240 to 320 hours of on-the-job training at an operating restaurant in Southern California or another approved site. There is no classroom component, and all travel, lodging, and wage costs are the responsibility of the franchisee.
2. Training for Subsequent Staff
   Any new managers, directors of operations, or designated individuals hired after opening must complete the same Management Training Program (or a modified version). If performance issues are detected, the franchisor may also require existing staff to repeat training. Fees apply for these additional sessions.
3. On-Site Training (Optional or Required)
   While not guaranteed, the franchisor may provide on-site training during opening or when performance issues arise. This training comes with fees covering daily trainer rates and their travel expenses. Franchisees may request it, but it's provided at the franchisor’s discretion.

Territory Protection

Yoshinoya may offer territory protection to franchisees in the form of a “Protected Territory,” but it is not guaranteed in all cases. If a Protected Territory is granted, its boundaries are defined when the franchisor approves the franchise location.

Within this area, the franchisor agrees not to open or authorize another Yoshinoya restaurant, with exceptions for special venues like airports or stadiums and for delivery kitchens.

Even with a Protected Territory, Yoshinoya retains broad rights that limit the exclusivity of the franchisee. The franchisor, its affiliates, and other franchisees can solicit and serve customers from any area, including within another franchisee's Protected Territory.