Why MARUFUKU RAMEN is the Go-To Spot in San Francisco’s Japantown

In this episode of the Close The Deal podcast, we dive into the franchise world with Carlos Herrador, a 42-year industry veteran. Carlos shares how Marufuku Ramen became a powerhouse brand with long lines and loyal customers. From quality control to franchise success, this conversation is packed with insights for aspiring and experienced franchisees alike!

Carlos Herrador's 10 Close The Deal Mindset Success Quotes:

1. "Times change all the time. You need to keep yourself current."
2. "Change is the one constant we can count on."
3. "If you want to continue in business, you have to be ready to compete."
4. "A great product is non-negotiable."
5. "Being present and involved is the key to success."
6. "Customers will wait in line for quality—never compromise on it."
7. "Support your team, and they will support your success."
8. "Consistency in food, service, and cleanliness builds trust."
9. "If you have time to lean, you have time to clean."
10. "We will do everything it takes to make our franchisees successful."

Visit:  https://www.marufukuramen.com/

Close The Deal Podcast Shownotes

Introduction

In this special episode of the Close the Deal podcast, host Ewell Smith welcomes Carlos Herrador, a franchise industry veteran with 42 years of experience. Carlos shares insights into the franchise world, particularly his work with Marufuku Ramen, a brand that has carved out a niche in the competitive restaurant industry. The conversation covers the evolution of the food industry, key challenges, and what makes a successful franchisee.

Carlos Herrador’s Background and Franchise Journey

Carlos began his franchise career at KFC in 1980 at the age of 23. He learned the fundamentals of restaurant operations by cooking and managing kitchen duties before progressing through leadership roles. His journey took him through major brands like Carl’s Jr. and Five Guys, where he gained valuable insights into structured franchise operations, quality control, and brand expansion. His extensive experience across multiple brands prepared him for his current role at Marufuku Ramen as the Executive Vice President of Franchise Operations.

Challenges in the Franchise Business

Reflecting on over four decades in franchising, Carlos highlights change as the biggest challenge. Consumer preferences, food trends, and industry standards are constantly evolving. To stay competitive, brands must continuously improve their product quality, service, and operational efficiency. He emphasizes that adapting to change and maintaining high standards are essential for long-term success in the restaurant business.

Marufuku Ramen’s Origins and Expansion

Marufuku Ramen was founded in 2017 by Eiichi Mochizuki, a Japanese entrepreneur passionate about bringing authentic ramen to Northern California. Dissatisfied with the ramen options available in the Bay Area, he launched Marufuku Ramen to fill this gap. The brand quickly gained a loyal following, with its original location in San Francisco’s Japantown drawing long lines of eager customers. The business has since expanded to locations in New York, Texas, California, and most recently, Las Vegas.

Marufuku Ramen’s success is built on authenticity and quality.

The brand employs 50 Japanese chefs who bring traditional techniques to the table, ensuring a consistent and high-quality product. The restaurant’s popularity stems from its strong branding, exceptional food, and commitment to cleanliness.

Franchisee Support and Selection

Carlos plays a hands-on role in supporting franchisees, from site selection to restaurant operations. He personally guides potential franchisees through the process, ensuring they understand the brand's standards and expectations. Marufuku Ramen provides full training, operational guidance, and marketing support to ensure franchisees’ success.

Ideal franchise candidates are those who are actively involved in their business. While prior restaurant experience is beneficial, it is not required. Investors can succeed if they partner with experienced restaurant operators. Regardless of background, franchisees must prioritize quality, cleanliness, and excellent customer service.

Investment and Revenue Potential

The investment required to open a Marufuku Ramen restaurant varies based on location and restaurant size. A standard location can range from $1.2 million to $1.4 million, including construction, training, and operational expenses. Larger locations with full bars require a higher investment. In terms of revenue, Marufuku locations generate annual sales between $2.8 million and $10 million, demonstrating the brand's profitability and strong customer demand.

Expanding the Brand and Future Opportunities

Marufuku Ramen is actively seeking franchise partners across the U.S. While the brand is open to all markets, colder climates such as the East Coast, Midwest, and Pacific Northwest are particularly attractive due to the high demand for ramen in cooler weather. The brand is already seeing strong success in Texas, California, and Nevada and is looking to expand into markets like New Jersey, Virginia, and Georgia.

Marufuku provides comprehensive support to franchisees, including real estate selection, design guidance from Japanese architects, and ongoing operational assistance. The brand’s meticulous approach ensures that each new location maintains the same high standards as the original Japantown location.

Keys to Success in Franchising

Carlos emphasizes that the most critical factor for success in franchising is involvement. Franchisees who actively engage with their business, invest in training, and maintain high operational standards see the best results. While investors can succeed, they must partner with strong operators who share the brand’s commitment to excellence.

Marufuku Ramen’s franchise support system ensures that franchisees receive the necessary tools and guidance. From initial discussions to opening day and beyond, the corporate team remains deeply involved to ensure consistency and success.

Conclusion

Marufuku Ramen presents a lucrative opportunity for aspiring franchisees looking to enter the restaurant industry with a strong, established brand. With a proven track record, exceptional product quality, and a dedicated support team, the franchise offers a compelling investment.



For those interested in learning more about Marufuku Ramen and potential franchise opportunities, visit CloseTheDeal.com and click on the “Contact Us” button. As always, be intentional and make today a great day!