Buchiton Ramen House, a top ramen restaurant from Hiroshima, Japan, which recently opened its Philippine store at SM San Lazaro in Manila, plans to rapidly expand its network in the country, with 23 outlets eyed by 2026.
DMG Group of Companies, the master franchisee of Buchiton Ramen House in the Philippines and Withlink Co. Ltd., the Japanese operator of Buchiton, plan to invest at least P200 million until 2026 to generate new jobs and franchise opportunities to young entrepreneurs in the Philippines.
“Buchiton targets to open three outlets this year, 10 by 2025 and 10 by 2026,” said DMG Holdings chief operating officer Matthew Ablis.
DMG is a major food group in the Philippines which operates 29 restaurant outlets under major brands. It owns and operates seven stores of Mesa Restaurant, seven stores of Hayashi Restaurant, nine stores of Old Town Malaysian Cuisine, four stores of Vari Uma Japanese Cuisine and the recently-opened Buchiton Japanese Ramen store.
Ablis said that aside from Buchiton’s first Philippine outlet at SM San Lazaro, it would open two more stores this year at SM Cebu-Consolacion and SM East Ortigas Mall.
He said DMG Holdings, headed by chief executive Nelson del Mundo, would invest between P7 million and P9 million to open a Buchiton store in the Philippines.
Withlink, the Japanese operator of Buchiton Tonkotsu Ramen, belongs to Yoshinoya Holdings Co. Ltd., which is known for Japan’s world-famous beef bowl.
Buchiton opened its first store in the Philippines on Aug. 1, 2024. The store, located at SM San Lazaro in Manila, now serves Tonkotsu ramen—a broth made from pork bones simmered for a long time.
Buchiton has been making ramen in Japan for over 20 years and is known for its use of genuine ingredients and traditional recipes.
The Manila store will offer the brand’s signature ramen broth, imported directly from Japan, as well as popular Hiroshima side dishes like gyoza and karage.
Hiroshima, where Buchiton originated, is one of the major cities in Japan’s Honshu Island known for its savory and flavorful culinary delights.
Buchiton is expected to become a favorite dining destination for Filipino families and friends looking to indulge in a true ramen experience.
“Buchiton was created with a deep respect for traditional recipes and a passion for delivering exceptional taste. We are excited to bring the rich flavors of authentic Japanese ramen to Filipino food enthusiasts,” said del Mundo.
“Filipinos have developed a strong affinity for ramen over the years, and Buchiton is eager to satisfy this growing demand with its reasonably priced yet flavor-packed offerings,” del Mundo said.
“Each bowl is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Hiroshima, ensuring that every bite is bursting with authentic ramen goodness.”
Buchiton is not just a place to enjoy a meal, but is also an exciting business opportunity.
The restaurant is open for franchising, providing aspiring entrepreneurs with a chance to bring this beloved Japanese dining experience to more locations across the Philippines.
The first Philippine store of Buchiton is located at the third floor of SM City San Lazaro, at the corners of A.H. Lacson and Felix Huertas Streets in Sta Cruz, Manila.
