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.
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.
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:
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.
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Below are some of
Yoshinoya
key competitors in the
Asian
sector.
23
$27,500
$456,000
$2,154,000
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