TORONTO — KINKA FAMILY has announced the opening of the first KINTON RAMEN location in Newmarket, Ont., owned and operated by executive chef Aki Urata. This is a major milestone for the restaurant group and marks the first in its Employee Franchise Program dedicated to partnering with current and past employees.
Toronto-based KINKA FAMILY operates five brands, including KINTON RAMEN, KINKA IZAKAYA, JaBistro, KINTORI YAKITORI and NEO COFFEE BAR. KINTON RAMEN first opened its doors in 2012, and has quickly grown to become a household name with a dedicated customer base. With more than 24 locations coast to coast, KINTON RAMEN represented a unique opportunity to put a spin on the traditional franchise model and focus on motivated employees who share in the brand’s passion for quality, innovation and customer service.
Chef Urata has delivered 20 years of flavourful and authentic ramen dishes. In 2012, he established the first KINTON RAMEN location in Toronto. Each menu item continues to be a product of chef Urata’s experiences using only select Japanese seasoning and fresh, local, high-quality ingredients.
“The KINKA FAMILY philosophy fosters and encourages the success of all team members, with a culture rooted in collaboration and teamwork,” says James Kim, CEO of KINKA FAMILY. “This new KINTON RAMEN location, owned and operated by our executive chef, is a testament to that philosophy. We are grateful to chef Aki for all he has brought to us, and we can’t wait for the Newmarket, Ont.-community to experience the exceptional food and hospitality that KINTON RAMEN is known for.”
“Being a part of this company for more than a decade, I have first-hand experience of the incredible opportunities and culture KINKA FAMILY fosters with its employees. I’ve always wanted to be an entrepreneur and have been given an incredible opportunity to achieve that dream today. I am proud to be the first employee to own a KINTON RAMEN, a brand that I worked so hard to help build,” says chef Urata. “As the demand for authentic, delicious ramen continues to grow, I am eager to offer our Newmarket customers the unparalleled food and exceptional service that KINTON RAMEN is famous for, while introducing them to our diverse range of unique flavours and dishes.”
