Yoshinoya is a quick-service restaurant franchise offering Japanese-style beef bowls, chicken, and sides, serving value-minded diners, and known for speedy service, signature gyudon, and consistent, satisfying rice-bowl meals.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
23
+
0%
0%
Franchise fee
?
$27,500
Investment
?
$456,000 - $2,154,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$0
+
n.a.
n.a.
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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.
Initial investment
The initial investment required for a Yoshinoya franchise is
$456,000 - $2,154,000.
That is the total cost you would need to finance 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
$27,500
Store Development
$12,000 - $100,000
Security Deposit and Rent
$18,000 - $30,000
Construction and Leasehold Improvements
$158,000 - $1,200,000
Furniture, Fixtures, Décor and Equipment
$75,000 - $150,000
Computer System
$65,000 - $225,000
Initial Inventory - Food
$6,000
Other Initial Inventory
$2,000
Signs
$10,000 - $120,000
Professional Fees
$0 - $10,000
Utility Deposits
$3,000 - $20,000
Insurance
$1,000 - $10,000
Training Expenses
$20,000 - $80,000
Grand Opening Fee
$12,000
Additional Advertising Contribution
$0 - $10,000
Pest Control Service
$650 - $1,400
Reimbursement of Our Professional Fees
$0 - $20,000
Additional Funds – 3 months
$46,000 - $130,000
Total Initial Investment
$456,150 - $2,153,900
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Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$27,500
Store Development
$12,000 - $100,000
Security Deposit and Rent
$18,000 - $30,000
Construction and Leasehold Improvements
$158,000 - $1,200,000
Furniture, Fixtures, Décor and Equipment
$75,000 - $150,000
Computer System
$65,000 - $225,000
Initial Inventory - Food
$6,000
Other Initial Inventory
$2,000
Signs
$10,000 - $120,000
Professional Fees
$0 - $10,000
Utility Deposits
$3,000 - $20,000
Insurance
$1,000 - $10,000
Training Expenses
$20,000 - $80,000
Grand Opening Fee
$12,000
Additional Advertising Contribution
$0 - $10,000
Pest Control Service
$650 - $1,400
Reimbursement of Our Professional Fees
$0 - $20,000
Additional Funds – 3 months
$46,000 - $130,000
Total Initial Investment
$456,150 - $2,153,900
Franchise Disclosure Document
Below is Yoshinoya's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
Yoshinoya had 100 total units in 2024, of which 23 were franchised-owned and 77 company-owned.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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