®PAPERCITY ©2025 urban publishers, inc. all rights reserved terms & condition // privacy policy // sitemap Marugame Udon opens in Carrollton on August 31 Veggie and char-grilled meat skewers will also be available for pickup and delivery More Japanese sandos in DFW Although this restaurant may not technically be in Dallas-Fort Worth Tokyo-based Marugame Udon will be a reason to make the short trip up north to Carrollton The guys responsible for bringing the Sanuki-style udon noodle concept to the Dallas-Fort Worth area are restaurant investors Mark Brezinksi and Pete Botonis He and Botonis grew Pei Wei into more than 200 restaurants around the country the two are reuniting to create and expand the Texas presence of Marugame Udon “Pete and I have a great history together and we couldn’t be more excited to be bringing our version of this wildly successful concept to the DFW area,” says Brezinski in a statement the most versatile of all Asian foods and we promise to make it a tough decision for Marugame guests to choose between the great bowls we think guests will find many new favorites to enjoy on multiple visits at lunch and dinner.” Marugame has expanded to more than 1,000 locations in 13 countries location opened in Hawaii a decade ago and has made its way to several outposts in California The very first Texas location will debut on August 31 in Carrollton with four new katsu sandos on the menu and an egg salad sando will be on the new restaurant’s menu along with char-grilled robata dishes like chicken meatballs A new U.S.-made Momo Kawa organic Junmai Gino sake and Japanese beer will also be available on draft But what Marugame is best known for are its Sanuki-style udon noodles bouncier style of noodle and can be paired with several kinds of broths and sauces Guests will be able to see noodle masters at work behind the glass in the order line Plans are already in the works for more locations in the Dallas and Houston area — a Greenville Avenue location set to open in the fall The Go-To Event Calendar for Texas’ most glamorous parties & charitable events NEW YORK, Sept. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bikky a customer data platform built exclusively for multi-unit restaurants today announced a partnership with Marugame Udon USA the fast-casual Japanese restaurant serving handcrafted Sanuki-style udon and freshly made tempura Marugame has since grown to more than 1,200 locations globally the brand has been focused on bringing their award-winning noodles and selfless hospitality - called omotenashi in Japan - to the U.S They have 15 locations now across California it's become critical for their team to make the right marketing and operational decisions - all backed by data “Bikky has honestly saved us hours in figuring out what’s working and what’s not,” says Janna Esguerra “We’re excited to better use our customer data in our marketing and menu efforts as we scale.” 45% of restaurant operators expect competition to increase more than 95% say higher food and labor costs will be an issue for their business this year Despite the broader cautious outlook for restaurants Bikky enables Marugame to more easily navigate this environment Marugame can now access the behavior of the 2.5 million guests they’ve served since 2020 - a 10x increase over their digital guests Fully accessing their customer data is critical for Marugame as they continue introducing new menu items to consumers With Bikky’s guest and menu analytics tools the brand could easily see how new items affect new guest acquisition With clear data on how different items contribute to success Janna and Marketing Director Kristin Yi are now brainstorming new additions to the menu including their specialty beverages and shareable add-ons “Every restaurant - whether they have 15 locations or 1,500 - needs the right data partner to help them navigate this new more complex operating environment,” says Bikky co-founder and CEO Abhinav Kapur “We’re proud to partner with a global brand like Marugame Udon expansion efforts with data to drive higher ROI on every menu most innovative restaurants look to Bikky for unprecedented insight into how their decisions directly impact consumer behavior and top-line sales Marugame Udon USA is the latest fast-growing brand to adopt its groundbreaking customer data and analytics platform alongside others To learn more about Bikky, visit https://www.bikky.com A Japanese fast-casual brand with over 1,200 locations globally Marugame Udon has solidified its presence with fifteen locations across the United States Known for its handcrafted Sanuki-style udon bowls Marugame Udon makes all its food to order to ensure its guests get the best-tasting Japanese food Bikky is the first Customer Data Platform (CDP) built exclusively for large Bikky is the only CDP able to build comprehensive datasets about everything from the performance of menus to the frequency and lifetime value of guests everyone from the C-Suite to the marketing team is empowered to make better decisions about the business and measure if those decisions are contributing positively to the bottom line Bikky was founded on the belief that restaurants deserve the same access to data as the largest most sophisticated businesses in the world and is proud to serve thousands of restaurant locations across the U.S. Bikky is based in New York City and has raised nearly $15 million in funding to date Contact:Abhinav Kapur, Founder & CEO, BikkyAbhinav@bikky.com Udon rarely gets a blip in conversations about good noodle soups It doesn’t stand a chance in a popularity showdown with ramen or pho the udon wheat version is the ugly duckling The former is brown and lusciously nutty; the latter looks pale and tastes plain by comparison Some Asian chefs surmise Westerners favor the hearty Japanese udon resides in a different body of liquid which consists of some combo of bonito flakes Seattle’s cold, damp winter is a good time to revisit this noodle, especially since Japan-based Marugame Udon, a rock star in the noodle chain world, made its Washington debut at Westfield Southcenter in September Marugame is bent on convincing the mainstream that udon is the next ramen For more on that Japanese chain and three other Seattle spots 965 Southcenter Mall, Tukwila; 206-432-4228, marugameudon.com The cafeteria-style setup at Marugame starts with customers lining up near the udon-making station (cue the obligatory Instagram pictures) boil them and measure out portions in bowls ($12-$14 for most bowls) you’ll choose from a dozen mix-and-match options: pork especially since the line moves quickly and because you’re expected to have your order ready when asked Here are the CliffsNotes: Most customers order the Nikutama bowl or the alternate version with curry; the former is Marugame’s signature item with the traditional fish broth topped with a gooey soft-boiled egg and beef while the latter is gravy-thick and tastes sweet The third popular option is the creamy pork tonkotsu creamy pork broth topped with chashu pork slices chicken thigh and potato croquette ($1.95-$4.95) Traditionalists dump the tempura pieces into the bowl to soak up the umami broth while some keep the tempura away from the broth so it stays crunchy 2711 E. Madison St., Seattle (Madison Valley); 206-328-4910, azukimadison.com Few craft udon by hand in the United States these days To witness a noodle master who still practices this lost art hit this unassuming Madison Valley spot by the Route 8 bus stop where chef Ryuji Miyata works in a subterranean space because this noodle shop squats behind a row of tall bushes while lesser versions turn limp if the noodles linger in the steaming broth His signature dashi broth possesses an oceanic-and-foresty funk layered with shards of beef with a sharp pickled mustard greens and burdock roots ($24) with isles of chicken fat floating on the surface of his citrusy seafood broth this udon bowl soothes with chunks of dark meat a soft-boiled egg and slivers of fried chicken skin — the bacon of poultry 4515 University Way N.E., Seattle (University District), 206-453-3788; 1640 12th Ave., Seattle (Capitol Hill), 206-466-1471; freshudon.com Seattle’s most ardent udon evangelist may be chef Tak Kurachi who launched his fast-casual cafe U:Don near the University District in 2011 and doubled down four years later by expanding to Capitol Hill It’s one of the best bargain hangover cures in Seattle Kurachi’s one-stop udon shop features 28 versions of his namesake dish served as a soup or with the broth on the side He also offers a dry udon with sauce that’s served either hot or cold U:Don runs a cafeteria-style setup with a tempura station that offers some of the cheapest deep-fry noshes in Seattle — there’s a rotating menu of 19 items ranging from $1.50 karaage chicken to $1.85 battered shrimp 515 S. Main St., Seattle (Chinatown International District); 206-467-4004, onibabaseattle.com The opinions expressed in reader comments are those of the author only and do not reflect the opinions of The Seattle Times. Stay secure and make sure you have the best reading experience possible by upgrading your browser! Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker Reduce the burden of shop management operations to focus on creating a “passion for food” experience.Reduce food waste and water, light, and heat energy consumption. Predict the number of customers and sales by shop and by day.Predict the number of customers by shop and time of day. "Demand forecasts lead to reduction of food waste and energy consumption and ultimately to the realization of carbon neutrality." Yasunori Isomura, Executive Officer, CIO, and CTO BT Headquarters, TORIDOLL Holdings MarugameUdon shops useODMA DemandForecasting SaaS Optimize shopmanagementoperationsOptimized energy use TORIDOLL Holdings Corporation’s business is business management of group subsidiaries mainly consisting of restaurant businesses such as Marugame Udon, Japan’s largest chain of udon shops. It aims to be a leading food service company from Japan, expanding its business in a way that respects the culture and regional differences of each country, with a world-class spirit of hospitality that is second to none. Kayla Sager-Riley This popular udon chain from Honolulu opened its first location outside of Hawaii at Southcenter Mall. But it doesn’t quite live up to the hype. The broths are bland, the noodles are too soft, and fried things like tempura and potato croquettes are stale, oily, and kinda sad. Sure, it works if you’re after a quick, casual bowl of udon, but the mall has way better food close by.  Dim Sum Tukwila Skip the Southcenter Mall food court and head to Mr and more at Seattle's best Japanese restaurants Here are the comforting bowls you should seek out Kayla joined The Infatuation Seattle in 2023 Japan’s distance running scene is among the most competitive in the world The top distance runners are treated like A-list celebrities and their performances are celebrated by fans and media alike at the Kagawa Marugame Half Marathon (one of the biggest races of the year) Strong runs from three Aussies in the men’s race at the Kagawa Marugame Half Marathon Haftu Strintzos takes almost 2 minutes off his PB to become… pic.twitter.com/bUTfiNJLpb — athsSTATS (@athsstats) February 2, 2025 The Kagawa Marugame Half Marathon has long been known as one of the most competitive races in the world attracting elite athletes from not only Japan but across the globe Even the best distance runners find themselves in massive packs for most of the race as the depth of talent delivered jaw-dropping results The 2024 London Marathon champion, Alexander Mutiso of Kenya shaving one second off his course record of 59:17 four other runners broke the elusive 60-minute barrier who set a new Japanese national record with a blazing 59:27 A post shared by Rory Linkletter, OLY (@rory_linkletter) For those dreaming of competing in the men’s field at the Kagawa Marugame Half Marathon runners need a personal best of 60 to 65 minutes to even be considered for the race Race organizers set a high level of entry to ensure the half-marathon remains one of the deepest and most competitive races on the planet the race transitioned through several distances before settling into the half-marathon format in 1997 It was also the first half-marathon in Japan to receive World Athletics’ Elite Label status solidifying its place as a premier international event With a top prize of one million yen (C$9,200) for the top Japanese finisher the stakes are high and the competition is fierce Get the digital edition of Running for your chosen platform: Karali Group will drive the expansion of new dining venues has signed a master franchise agreement with Karali Group to further expand in the UK and Ireland Marugame Udon’s transition from corporate-owned outlets to a fully franchised model is set to streamline operations and enhance market penetration led by Salim Janmohamed and Karim Janmohamed will head the development of new restaurant locations Karali Group has also taken the operational reins of the existing Marugame Udon estate which includes eight restaurants in London and one regional site in Reading Marugame Udon International president Victor Misawa stated: “Since introducing Marugame Udon to the UK in 2021 we have been overwhelmed by the warm welcome from customers.” Marugame Udon’s journey in the UK began in 2021 through a joint venture between Toridoll Holdings and Capdesia Group Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis Capdesia Group then exited its investment in July 2024 Marugame Udon proudly serves thousands of udon lovers every day each bowl prepared fresh in our lively open kitchens we’re thrilled to partner with Karali Group to bring our brand to even more communities We extend our heartfelt thanks to our amazing team members The Karali Group’s portfolio is diverse featuring franchises across sectors including fast food and casual dining Its UK portfolio includes Taco Bell and Crosstown Doughnuts Karim Janmohamed stated: “We are delighted to announce this landmark partnership with Marugame Udon and the acquisition of such a fantastic estate of restaurants “We look forward to continuing to create incredible guest and team member experiences as we grow the brand and welcome them all to the Karali family.” A transition is in progress to ensure a changeover for customers and employees will facilitate the transition before assuming a new leadership role with Marugame Udon USA Give your business an edge with our leading industry insights View all newsletters from across the GlobalData Media network The Kagawa Marugame International Half Marathon has witnessed Isobel Batt-Doyle surpass one of Australia’s most treasured national records with the rising road racer claiming third place in 1:07:17 to take down Australian legend Kerryn McCann’s mark from 2000 The late McCann’s long-standing record was set at 1:07:48 when Batt-Doyle was just four years old and with the now two-time Olympian’s hopes of etching her name into the history books riding on risk-taking – Batt-Doyle did exactly that to breakthrough over the distance We have some amazing women holding our records and to take a record from Kerryn that has stood since 2000 really shows how hard it was It’s incredible she ran than 25 years ago!” Batt-Doyle said “She was an amazing woman gone far too soon I hope she is up there and proud to see girls challenging her times I watched her Commonwealth Games run coming into the MCG and it just gives me chills even thinking about it.” Finishing third in the race behind Kenya’s Dolphine Nyaboke Omare (1:06:05) and Great Britain’s Calli Hauger-Thackery (1:06:58) the Australian coached by Nic Bideau was happy with her competitiveness on the day but I really wanted to compete with the strong field I would walk away with a good time,” Batt-Doyle said “There was a girl in front of me that I could see with five kilometres to go and I managed to pass her which really helped keep me in that mindset When I came into the stadium and saw the clock Adding the Australian Half Marathon record to her 10km Road national record last September the 29-year-old set herself up for another successful year in 2025 with all roads leading to next month’s Nagoya Women’s Marathon on March 9 I’m looking forward to layering on this and building towards Nagoya in five weeks because I feel like I have found that really good balance of speed and endurance,” Batt-Doyle said the Australian men’s contingent also put in a strong showing led by Olympian Andrew Buchanan (Scott Westcott) who soared to number two on the Australian all-time list in 1:00:28 while Haftu Strintzos (Adam Didyk) also climbed to third on that list in 1:00:36 Buchanan secured seventh place while Strintzos finished in 12th with Brett Robinson (Nic Bideau) rounding out the action in 1:01:58 insight and opinion from the world of restaurants 01-Apr-2025 Last updated on 01-Apr-2025 at 15:37 GMT Karali Group will lead the development of new Marugame Udon restaurants and has acquired and assumed operation of the existing estate transitioning the brand from corporate-owned to a fully franchised model Marugame Udon is one of Japan’s biggest restaurant brands and arrived in the UK in 2021 by way of a joint venture between Toridoll Holdings Corporation and Capdesia Group, with the latter subsequently exiting its investment in July last year. It’s UK estate currently encompasses eight restaurants in London and a single regional site in Reading. “Since introducing Marugame Udon to the UK in 2021, we have been overwhelmed by the warm welcome from customers,” says Victor Misawa, president of Marugame Udon International. “Today, Marugame Udon proudly serves thousands of udon lovers every day, each bowl prepared fresh in our lively open kitchens. “With nine restaurants now open, we’re thrilled to partner with Karali Group to bring our brand to even more communities. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our amazing team members, partners, and customers. “This is just the beginning of an exciting new era for Marugame Udon.” Karali Group, which is led by Salim Janmohamed and Karim Janmohamed, is a diversified, multi-national hospitality and real estate platform operating franchises in the fast-food, casual dining and hospitality sectors. It counts Taco Bell and Crosstown Doughnuts among its UK portfolio. “We are delighted to announce this landmark partnership with Marugame Udon and the acquisition of such a fantastic estate of restaurants,” says Karim Janmohamed. “We look forward to continuing to create incredible guest and team member experiences as we grow the brand and welcome them all to the Karali family.” A carefully managed transition is underway that the group says will ensure continuity for both customers and team members. Sam McIntyre, interim CEO and finance director, will support the handover before moving to a new leadership role with Marugame Udon USA. Whet your appetite with beers from the European UnionPaid for and content provided by European Union Lost Revenue from Downtime: How It Cripples Your Delivery App Visibility and SalesPaid for and content provided by Deliverect Staffing costs rising — how smart hiring solutions are helping UK restaurantsPaid for and content provided by YoungOnes Castle lovers now have a new opportunity to spend a night at a Japanese castle from July as the city of Marugame in western Japan has added a "shirohaku" accommodation plan to its list of return gifts under the nationwide hometown tax program Taxpayers who donate 4.22 million yen to the city under the program will receive vouchers for an overnight stay for two at Marugame Castle as a return gift Applications can be made through any of the 12 portal websites contracted by the city is to aid rural economies by enabling people to make donations to municipalities where they do not reside they can get selected return gifts such as local foods or experiences The "shirohaku" accommodation plan includes not only a one-night stay at Marugame Castle's Enjyukaku Bekkan annex but patrons can also enjoy a drumming performance to welcome them upon their arrival at the Oteichinomon gate have access to a night lounge at the castle’s main keep which is a designated national important cultural property and enjoy breakfast at Nakazu Banshoen Garden in the city The hometown tax return gift voucher covers the above basic plan for two Once donors have completed their donation under the program they can make reservations for the castle stay via telephone or the QR code provided on the voucher sent by the Marugame municipal government Additional fees apply for optional services such as a Japanese "wagashi" sweets-making workshop the city had received eight inquiries about the castle stay plan but had yet to get any actual confirmed bookings "Patrons can immerse themselves in the atmosphere as a feudal lord and enjoy Marugame's food which were established by the Kyogoku clan," an official of the city's tourism section said The Shikoku Shimbun 666 handmade cherry blossom pinwheels at Kagawa shrine bear visitors' hopes Takamatsu Instagrammer shares Japan etiquette advice for foreign visitors Kagawa high school students win national flower arranging competition To have the latest news and stories delivered to your inbox Simply enter your email address below and an email will be sent through which to complete your subscription Please check your inbox for a confirmation email Thank you for reaching out to us.We will get back to you as soon as possible A cook carefully hands over a bowl of udon to a customer at Marugame Udon in The Village of Donki A cook arranges a batch of kabocha squash tempura at Marugame Udon in The Village of Donki and savory curry is available at Marugame Udon in The Village of Donki A variety of freshly cooked tempura is also available Marugame Udon’s food remains true to the authentic tradition of noodle making serving up Sanuki-style noodles that are a thicker but “bouncy.” they can witness food being prepared and cooked at Marugame Udon in The Village of Donki Donna Faye Quichocho tries a selection of dishes at Marugame Udon in The Village of Donki during a private preview of the restaurant’s menu on Oct Adam Suharto and Alexandra Borja try a variety of dishes at Marugame Udon in The Village of Donki during a private preview of the restaurant’s menu on Oct which is a part of the tempura selection at Marugame Udon in The Village of Donki Eva Montoya and Yunee Kim try a variety of dishes at Marugame Udon in the Village of Donki during a private preview of the restaurant’s menu on Oct Marugame Udon offers a variety of open seating areas for solo diners and groups in a comfortable setting with dark wood and cozy lighting soup is my favorite comfort food — anything from arroz caldo to ramen There’s something about feeling scorching hot broth on my tongue that brings back memories from my youth of blowing on Sapporo Ichiban or Cup O’ Noodles to cool them just enough to slurp down the noodles was never part of my childhood experience – I was introduced to it well into my adulthood at a popular local Japanese restaurant when I received an invitation to be amongst the first to experience Marugame Udon in The Village of Donki at a mixer for content creators — I was excited to give the noodles another shot Marugame Udon is the world’s largest udon concept based out of Tokyo It opened its doors for business on Guam on Oct I was immediately attracted to its visuals The restaurant’s exterior with bright signage amidst dark wood and cozy lights gave me a good feel of the space The lively energy that emanated from the hustle and bustle of cooks preparing dishes as customers placed their orders also pulled me in All food is cooked and simultaneously assembled in plain sight Many customers appreciate this type of transparency — I think this builds excitement and anticipation for the meal even more Since I’ve never been to a Marugame Udon before I didn’t know what to order and went with a staff recommendation — the curry Nikutama The cook from behind the counter warned me the bowl would be hot so I picked it up cautiously and felt its comforting warmth radiate to my fingers The items were rung up at the end of the line A large curry Nikutama costs $18.65 and the tempura ranges from $1.50 to $2 a piece I made a stop at the condiment table and topped my udon with green onions and took some tempura sauce serving up Sanuki-style noodles that are a thicker but “bouncy,” unique in its chewiness and tenderness pairing perfectly with broths and sauces alike I immediately noticed how chewy they were – just the way I like them Nothing disappoints me more than soggy noodles The noodles weren’t too thick either – I’ve tried some udon noodles that were too doughy and too thick to appreciate Now for the soup — the curry broth was tasty and not overpowering I was happy that it had a bold savory flavor but was still restrained in a good way I split the egg in two to see a nice jammy yolk run out from the egg whites holding it in place Paired with the curry broth and green onion The tempura I selected were freshly fried to perfection – not too oily or greasy I ended up dipping the pieces into my curry broth for an extra kick They were the perfect accompaniment to the curry Nikutama “The combination of flavors was perfectly balanced creating a unique and delightful taste experience that didn’t overwhelm my palate,” Quichocho said “We are incredibly excited to bring Marugame Udon to Guam and share this exceptional culinary experience with our community,” J Onedera one of the managing partners for Marugame Guam said in a press release from the restaurant “As seasoned professionals in the noodle scene handmade udon and authentic Japanese flavors We look forward to welcoming the people of Guam to enjoy the warmth and tradition that Marugame is known for.” in Hawaii more than 10 years ago with its flagship store in Waikiki I know I speak for many customers when I say that we’re thrilled that the restaurant is now open on Guam visit @designereatsguam on Instagram or Facebook health educator and nutrition counselor at TakeCare talks about the power of food to connect people health educator and nutrition counselor at TakeCare and PDN's Wellness Wednesday columnist invites readers to explore ways to create ideal conditions for restorative sleep that energizes both body and mind Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: TamJai International (TJI) has taken over the full management of the nine existing Marugame Seimen's (丸龜製麵) restaurants in Hong Kong by integrating them into TamJai's self-operating network According to the official announcement on HKEX, TamJai signed an acquisition agreement with its controlling shareholder Toridoll Holdings Corporation (東利多株式會社) The acquisition aims to build growth momentum and promote TJI's long-term sustainable development in the Hong Kong market by leveraging a multi-brand strategy TamJai has also agreed to repay the shareholder’s loan in the aggregate amount of around HK$8.4 million on behalf of Marugame HK on the completion As part of the agreement, TamJai has progressed further by taking over the full management of its nine existing restaurants in Hong Kong by integrating them into its self-operating network moving forward we are poised to capture a greater share of the fast-casual segment aiming to build growth momentum and promote its long-term sustainable development in the Hong Kong market." TamJai believes that the acquisition will enable the group to more effectively leverage its existing resources to diversify and expand its revenue streams The acquisition is also expected to enhance the overall operational efficiency of the target group benefit the group by providing opportunities to capitalise on the target group’s advancements in business operations TamJai anticipates that the acquisition will create operational synergies by integrating supply chain management This integration is expected to enable the group to achieve cost savings through bulk purchasing and streamlined logistics ultimately enhancing overall profitability TamJai considers this acquisition a strategic move to strengthen its market positioning in the competitive Hong Kong restaurant landscape By expanding its offerings to include Japanese udon noodles the group aims to better respond to evolving consumer preferences and dining trends thereby enhancing its long-term sustainability and growth potential TamJai believes that the business will not be in direct or indirect competition with the group’s operations as there is a clear and adequate delineation between the group’s business and the business it is believed that the acquisition is beneficial to the growth and development of the group as a whole Don't miss: TamJai International gains franchise rights to operate new Marugame Seimen stores TamJai International first gained the franchise rights to operate new stores for Marugame Seimen in Hong Kong back in November 2023 The master franchise agreement has an initial term of three years commencing on 13 November 2023 and ending on 12 November 2026 and may be renewed subject to mutual agreement of both parties and compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements TamJai International is granted exclusive rights in Hong Kong to establish and operate the “Marugame Seimen” restaurant business and license unaffiliated third parties to develop and operate the franchised restaurants We break down the big and messy topics of the day so you're updated on the most important developments in Asia's marketing development – for free MARKETING-INTERACTIVE is an online publication of Lighthouse Independent Media Marketing Interactive is not responsible for the content of external sites If you’re wondering why parking at Westfield Southcenter has gotten harder it’s because Black Friday-like commotion has set in over the debuts of a famous noodle chain and a dim sum parlor We have more details on those mall openings below, but first, two big updates: Triumph Valley’s anticipated opening in Shoreline could happen as early as next month, pending the completion of some minor construction, management said. Renton’s Triumph Valley is a critically acclaimed dim sum hall and its encore should be the buzziest North End opening this fall famed Peruvian chef Gastón Acurio’s latest restaurant La Mar will debut in downtown Bellevue on Oct Diners should be stoked for those two October surprises here’s more on the buzz surrounding Westfield Southcenter and our list of 23 other new restaurants around the Eastside and the North End Marugame Udon the Japanese chain that’s all the rage in Southeast Asia and Hawaii makes its Washington state debut at Westfield Southcenter fast-casual spot makes a handful of different sauces and broths to pair with its handmade noodles though most fans get the “BK,” essentially a dashi-umami rich broth It’s already plotting a second Washington state location for next year though management remains mum on which lucky city the chain will be expanding to This udon chain is the biggest coup for Westfield Southcenter since it landed Din Tai Fung seven years ago Marugame Udon also gets a new mall neighbor in Mr. Dim Sum though you might want to give it a few more weeks until management can staff up The entire 130-item menu isn’t available yet but classics like siu mai and har gow shrimp dumplings are offered Other favorites include the fried chives-and-shrimp dumplings and the rice roll with XO sauce This mall restaurant is unusual in that it serves dumplings and other dim sum dishes all day (Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m Chinatown restaurants usually offer dim sum only during brunch or until 3 p.m The dim sum hall hasn’t set up a website and phone number yet as it tries to keep its opening hush-hush to train up staff and the 150-seat restaurant has been packed on weekends For an old-school steakhouse, hit Ables Steakhouse in Burien which grills T-bones and a handful of high-end cuts over an open flame to sides such as scalloped potatoes and creamed spinach A much-talked-about Eastside debut, Allister runs an eclectic menu of classics tweaked with French-and-Asian flavors, including potato puff pommes dauphine, albacore crudo and roasted chicken with charred scallion rice. The drink list looks like it could’ve been cribbed from some East Village speakeasy with popular New York City tipples like the Clover Club and the Oaxacan Old Fashioned Allister is experimenting with a late-night menu that runs until 11 p.m from Sunday-Thursday and till midnight on Friday and Saturday Its cheeseburger made with Mishima reserve wagyu beef might be the most indulgent late-night bite Allister isn’t the only newbie who believes this sleepy city needs a jolt. A half-mile south is The Crawlspace Gastropub The gastropub is also organizing a late-night bar crawl on Oct with Allister and the soon-to-be-open bar Asa Gathering Hawaiian and Latin American flavors like a chicken sammie with garlic Buffalo sauce and kimchi slaw a flat iron steak with avocado chimichurri and a Hawaiian butter mochi a la mode with caramel Fans of conveyor belt sushi, this is your lucky month: Sushi Omiya Factoria comes to The Marketplace at Factoria Along historic Main Street, Jocovine focuses on the sea: crabcakes seared scallops and different pastas paired with salmon and shrimp The bistro also fancies up the Philly steak with filet mignon chili aioli and havarti cheese on a toasted bun A mile northeast sits the Lebanese grill Tanoor with its lamb and beef kebabs At Kelsey Creek Center, Tasty House serves Szechuan cuisine including favorites such as boiled fish filet mapo tofu and stir-fried rabbit in spicy peppers The Bravern gets two sweet tenants, HeyTea, which specializes in cheese tea drinks, and LeTAO, which does Japanese Hokkaido cheesecakes And for those who abide by the clean, healthy-living mantra, Lincoln Square features the nonalcoholic bar Club Seltzer and EatDirt; the latter preaches its fresh-and-local manta with salads Longtime Eastsiders have been waiting for this: Rimini by the waterfront comes from the family who started Montalcino Ristorante Italiano in Issaquah The Northern Italian-inspired restaurant has 60 seats and live music The menu ranges from short rib ravioli al cognac and wild boar Bolognese to family-friendly options such as sausage rigatoni and pasta meatballs Ezell’s Famous Chicken opens its 18th branch, in Kirkland. A mile south of that, Pinckney Cookie Cafe does a dozen different flavors including its signature brown butter Woodinville gets Sushi Koushi, and 5 miles north, Bothell gets the grilled chicken chain Port of Peri Peri In Edmonds, the 40-seat bistro Bangkok Boulevard serves khao soi coconut noodle soup and pad pong karee or stir-fried curry soft shell crab The Thai restaurant also pays homage to the Bangkok pushcart staple guya jab soup with rice rolls Five miles north is Chada Thai Lynnwood, which cooks chicken in various ways from deep-frying to charbroiling. Or if you prefer curry, there are 10 variations. Nearby, at Alderwood mall, J.sweets showcases Japanese confections In Shoreline, the Korean chain Sorimmara adds Chinese tingling mala flavors to comfort food such as tteokbokki rice cakes and Spam fried rice The opinions expressed in reader comments are those of the author only and do not reflect the opinions of The Seattle Times Stay secure and make sure you have the best reading experience possible by upgrading your browser Already have an account? SIGN IN HERE Learn more about MCA here REGISTER FREE NOW Alternatively SUBSCRIBE for unrestricted access to all content. Contact us for more information Site powered by Webvision Cloud Today's print edition Home Delivery The Shikoku port city of Takamatsu is often the jumping-off point for the smaller art-laden islands of Naoshima Yet Kagawa’s prefectural capital and the rustic castle town of Marugame possess longer histories of modern art and culture that make them destinations in their own right Between these cities lies Mount Washinoyama a 322-meter-tall peak located about half an hour west of Takamatsu proper Painter and sculptor Yutaka Sone claims the peculiarly conical summit — my guide speaks of the local mountains as “rice ball-like" — as his base of production and source of materials he produced a miniature model of the mountain and a statue of a snow leopard out of tuff stone from a decommissioned quarry there.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); }); The scenery toward town strikes me as orderly but sedate until we reach the heart of Marugame, where just across from the station you’ll find the Marugame Genichiro-Inokuma Museum of Contemporary Art (MIMOCA) It’s a bastion of contemporary beauty: Before its entrance bright red and yellow columns extend skyward and zigzag before a marble mural — nearly 12 meters high and over 20 meters wide — filled with childlike black and white sketches of animals and vehicles This illustration in stone is further punctuated by a giant nautilus sculpture In a time of both misinformation and too much information quality journalism is more crucial than ever.By subscribing Your subscription plan doesn't allow commenting. To learn more see our FAQ Sponsored contents planned and edited by JT Media Enterprise Division Your browser does not support JavaScript, or it is disabled．Please check the site policy for more information Kagawa Prefecture--Built about 400 years ago Marugame Castle is looking for a new feudal lord The new master must have deep pockets and foreigners are welcome The city government here is offering a rare opportunity for guests to take a trip into the ancient past and follow in the footsteps of the lord of the magnificent fortress It is accepting reservations for an overnight stay with two meals at the castle for two people at the princely sum of 1.265 million yen ($8,070) The offer is primarily aimed at wealthy tourists from abroad Marugame Castle here is one of 12 castles with a main keep constructed in or before the Edo Period (1603-1867) Sitting on a hill overlooking the Seto Inland Sea the castle is renowned for its magnificent stone walls while its main keep is the oldest in the Shikoku region Also standing in its San-no-Maru Square is the Enjukaku Bekkan building which was built in the early Showa Era (1926-1989) with parts and materials from a residence of the Kyogoku clan that once stood in Edo (present-day Tokyo) The overnight castle stay program will start in July Guests will be picked up by a rickshaw at JR Marugame Station to ride to the Ote Ichi-no-mon gate where they will be welcomed by performers playing a traditional “taiko” drum They will walk or use other modes of transportation to get to the main keep and view the important cultural property situated on a 66-meter hill They will be served dinner at Enjukaku Bekkan where they will stay overnight The meal will be prepared by famed French chef Shu Ishii made using in-season ingredients from around the area and served on a “gozen” tray bearing the emblem of the Kyogoku clan the guests can spend time inside the main keep enjoying drinks and the night view of Marugame Port Breakfast will be served in the main building at the daimyo-style Nakazu Banshoen Garden Castle stays have become popular in Europe where there are many built by aristocrats a castle stay program began in 2020 when Ozu Castle in Ehime Prefecture started accepting overnight guests Hirado Castle in Nagasaki Prefecture followed suit in 2021 with Marugame Castle and Fukuyama Castle in Hiroshima Prefecture joining the ranks this year guests can stay at the donjon rebuilt in 2004 except August and between December through February due to the difficulty in controlling room temperatures and other reasons guests can stay at Marugame Castle throughout the year because Enjukaku Bekkan is equipped with an air-conditioning system The city government spent 10 months from May 2023 strengthening the building’s earthquake resistance and renovating the bath and the restroom The municipality spent about 289 million yen for the remodeling work and other related costs to prepare for the castle stay program City officials are seeking to use the program to raise the profile of Marugame Castle and promote tourism They are also planning to use a building usage fee of 100,000 yen charged for each guest to preserve cultural properties and make the city a model of sustainable tourism with officials hoping to attract 23 pairs in fiscal 2024 36 pairs in fiscal 2025 and 38 pairs in fiscal 2026 they need to raise the profile of the program and attract enough guests to cover maintenance and operating costs and keep the business rolling and we don’t know how many applications we will receive until we start it,” an official said The city government invited four travel experts to conduct a trial stay in February Glenn said that the program was well-planned and better than he had expected “Enjukaku Bekkan was especially great because I felt the history and brilliance in its furniture and furnishings,” he said “The bath was so spacious that I could relax in it even though I am 188 centimeters tall It was so good that I wanted to live there.” Glenn added that he was impressed not only by the drum performance but also by the movements of the mask-wearing performers “I also enjoyed breakfast and the ‘sencha’ tea-making experience in the quaint building at the Nakazu Banshoen Garden.” He also suggested improvements that should be made for the program He was given a kimono and a pair of Japanese sandals to wear but the traditional footwear was hard and slippery to walk in and I had to watch my step and couldn’t focus on the scenery around me,” he said the expert said castle stays are particularly popular in Britain “Many castles in Europe are owned by individuals and castle stays have become a business because it costs a lot of money to maintain them,” Glenn said Castle to mark 400th year with offer of free overnight stays ‘Castle stay’ programs bestow ‘lordships’ from one million yen Fukuyama offers the chance to be king of the castle (for a price) Live like a feudal lord for a night for a ‘reasonable’ 1.32 million yen Siege game app for those who want to ‘attack'’ Hikone Castle Information on the latest cherry blossom conditions Please right click to use your browser’s translation function.) A series based on diplomatic documents declassified by Japan’s Foreign Ministry Here is a collection of first-hand accounts by “hibakusha” atomic bomb survivors chefs and others involved in the field of food introduce their special recipes intertwined with their paths in life A series about Japanese-Americans and their memories of World War II In-house News and Messages No reproduction or republication without written permission This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page Register  Login The Japanese noodle and tempura restaurant chain first launched in the UK as a joint venture between parent company Toridoll Holdings and Capdesia Group Private equity firm Capdesia Group has exited its investment in Marugame Udon four years after partnering with parent company Toridoll Holdings to launch the Japanese brand in the UK Toridoll will now assume full ownership of Marugame Udon (Europe) Ltd while continuing as co-investors in the Fulham Shore Group which owns and operates the Franco Manca and the Real Greek restaurants As part of the transition, finance director Sam McIntyre will take over from chief executive and Capdesia operating partner Keith Bird who led on Marugame Udon’s rapid expansion to ten sites across the UK over the past three years executive vice president and chief operating officer of Toridoll Holdings Corporation said: “We are grateful to Capdesia and their respective teams for their efforts in launching our flagship brand in the UK successfully several new best practices have been developed jointly for the benefit of Marugame Udon globally in areas such as systems These improvements have positioned us for future growth and to continue with our UK and European expansion ambitions.” Bird added: “It has been an incredible journey bringing Marugame Udon to the UK The dedication and passion of our team have been instrumental in establishing the brand and creating a solid foundation for future growth I am confident that under Sam McIntyre’s leadership Marugame Udon will continue to thrive and expand and deliver on its mission to bring udon to all.” Marugame Udon was founded in Kakogawa City in Japan in 2000 and has since grown to over 1,000 sites across Asia It launched its first site in London in 2021 ahead of a wider European roll-out Toridoll Holdings Corporation was founded by Takaya Awata in Kakogawa The company has annual system revenues of £1.2b and a portfolio of over 1,700 restaurants across 30 brands and 40 countries including Shoryu and Wok to Walk in Europe Sign Up Jacobs Media is a company registered in England and Wales Foodservice Equipment Journal Marugame Udon UK has signed a major master franchise agreement with Karali Group to accelerate the brand’s expansion in the UK and Ireland Karali Group will lead the development of new Marugame Udon restaurants and has acquired and assumed operation of the existing estate Karim Janmohamed of Karali Group said: “We are delighted to announce this landmark partnership with Marugame Udon and the acquisition of such a fantastic estate of restaurants We look forward to continuing to create incredible guest and team member experiences as we grow the brand and welcome them all to the Karali family.” A carefully managed transition is underway to ensure continuity for both customers and team members will support the handover before moving to a new leadership role with Marugame Udon USA Customers can continue to expect the same high-quality udon and dining experience at every Marugame Udon location – with more to  come in the near future and website in this browser for the next time I comment with all food being prepared and assembled to order in the exhibition kitchen will open at The Village of Donki in Tamuning The Don Don Donki Village of Donki store in Tamuning on April 17 the world’s largest udon concept based out of Tokyo rice bowls and fresh tempura to Guam when it opens at The Village of Donki in Tamuning on Wednesday theatrical kitchen serves as the centerpiece of Marugame Udon guests could watch as their food is prepared This is what Guam customers could expect: Noodle masters make fresh noodles behind the counter at the start of the order line as fresh tempura are also cooked just feet away from the line and in full view of the guests one of the managing partners of Marugame Guam Its food remains true to the authentic tradition of noodle making serving up Sanuki-style noodles that are a thicker but “bouncy” style of noodle that is unique in its chewiness and tenderness For more information on Marugame Udon Guam’s grand opening, visit www.marugameudonguam.com or call (671) 989-8366 Growth at the Japanese noodle restaurant group was driven by the opening of three new restaurants CENTER VIEW KITCHEN: Marugame Udon cooks prepare orders during a creator mixer at The Village of Donki in Tamuning on Wednesday STOREFRONT: Marugame Udon is seen at The Village of Donki in Tamuning on Wednesday PREPARING ORDERS: Marugame Udon cooks prepare orders during a creator mixer at The Village of Donki in Tamuning on Wednesday DINERS: Event guests try dishes during a Marugame Udon exclusive creator mixer at The Village of Donki in Tamuning on Wednesday UDON BOWL: An order of curry nikutama is prepared during a Marugame Udon exclusive creator mixer at The Village of Donki in Tamuning on Wednesday TEAM MEMBERS: Marugame Udon employees pose for a photo during an exclusive creator mixer at The Village of Donki in Tamuning on Wednesday CREATOR MIXER: Marugame Udon holds an exclusive creator mixer at The Village of Donki in Tamuning on Wednesday DELICIOUS: Orders are prepared during a Marugame Udon exclusive creator mixer at The Village of Donki in Tamuning on Wednesday a successful udon noodle restaurant concept based out of Tokyo rice bowls and fresh tempura to Guam this month with the opening of its Tamuning location at The Village of Donki on Oct the new local restaurant announced in a press release a private creator mixer was held at the location where The Guam Daily Post spoke with Jenelyn Baisa who said she has been working closely with the partners of her team to get the location operational “We have been trying to make sure that this project got going It has been in the works and is finally to completion,” Baisa said “We're very excited to open the franchise.” “Marugame originated in Japan in the Sanuki region and the noodles are made from scratch here and freshly made to order every day,” she said “We're excited to have people come in and try the food.” “We also have tempura toppings and you could create your own tempura bowl but I feel like it's food that anyone and everyone can enjoy from noodles and rice bowls to fried food,” she said “We think it's something that people in Guam would like The udon is the signature dish of the restaurant and Baisa said she did not want to leave out one thing We want people to be reminded of that,” she said have a sense of ‘home,’ and we just hope that people enjoy the ambiance that the restaurant has to offer.” theatrical kitchen that is the centerpiece of Marugame Udon with all food being prepared and assembled to order in the exhibition kitchen,” the restaurant said in the release The masterful cooks are in center view as they prepare dishes in the kitchen “Noodle masters make fresh noodles behind the counter at the start of the order line as fresh tempura orders are also cooked just feet away from the line and in full view of the guests,” the restaurant said in the release "We are incredibly excited to bring Marugame Udon to Guam and share this exceptional culinary experience with our community," said J Onedera "As seasoned professionals in the noodle scene quality and tradition that Marugame is known for." serving up Sanuki-style noodles that are a thicker but ‘bouncy’ style of noodle that is unique in its chewiness and tenderness pairing perfectly with broths and sauces alike.” Email notifications are only sent once a day Poll results are published every Monday in The Guam Daily Post 於全球坐擁過千間分店的日本知名連鎖手打烏冬專門店「丸亀製麵」(Marugame Udon) 於香港展開品牌升級企劃，全新進駐沙田新城市廣場的分店，於店內自設烏冬製麵工房，帶來正宗的讚岐烏冬風味！開放式烏冬製麵所讓客人目睹揉麵至煮麵各個工序，採用日本直送丸亀製麵獨家專用之小麥粉製作麵糰，須經 26 小時發酵，再搓製並切成標準的粗度及呈四方狀之烏冬麵條，經烹煮後能呈現 Mochi-Mochi 之煙韌口感。 除了丸亀製麵獨家專用小麥粉，品牌採用之鰹魚湯底、各款醬料均由日本直送香港，確保將日本地道真實之口味呈現。餐牌上的釜揚烏冬、牛肉烏冬、冷烏冬等，均是經典烏冬風味，而配搭天婦羅更是日本人享用烏冬之地道食法，將天婦羅炸物蘸過之湯底，會誘發更濃郁的味道層次。點餐時客人先於烏冬區揀選喜好的烏冬食法 (湯烏冬、冷烏冬或釜揚烏冬)，然後移至熱葷配料區以及即炸天婦羅區，自選各款配料。而每個製作及呈現烏冬的過程，均為烏冬注入生命力，讓客人品嘗到日本職人的用心及日本飲食文化的精粹。 一秒到日本！為讓客人沉浸於日本氛圍，丸亀製麵特別於沙田店新開幕期間，於商場內打造期間限定打卡店，建造日本車站場景，踏進車站彷如置身丸亀製麵的發源地日本四國香川縣。車站另一邊廂則有巨型木桶，模仿釜揚烏冬的器皿，可整個人走進木桶內打卡拍照，效果十分趣緻。 送禮二重奏！期間限定打店內設置夾波波機，於丸亀製麵沙田新城市店消費滿 $80 即可獲一個代幣，消費滿 $150 即可獲兩個代幣。每個波波內均有禮品，包括迷你模型鎖匙扣、迷你壁燈模型、餐飲券、免費天婦羅蝦禮券等。成功夾到禮品波波後，追加第二個重磅優惠！每個波波內均附有抽獎網址，網上登記即可獲抽獎機會，獎品為「雙人三日兩夜日本香川縣之旅」，包括來回機票及溫泉酒店住宿，每份值價港幣 $33,000，而名額一共 3 名，絕不能錯過！ 丸亀製麵 – 沙田新城市廣場店地址：沙田沙田正街 2-8 號新城市廣場三期 1 樓 A136 號舖營業時間： 11am – 10pm社交媒體：Instagram @hk.marugame 、Facebook @Marugame-Hong Kong The Japanese noodle chain opened its doors on April Fool’s Day An eagerly-awaited Japanese chain is finally serving bowls of its famous Sanuki-style udon noodles in the Westfield UTC Mall Slotting into the former Veggie Grill space near Macy’s Marugame Udon will start pickup and delivery service through DoorDash and Uber Eats sometime next week but the restaurant is currently open for dining-in with 24 indoor tables and 10 tables on the patio The style began in the Kagawa Prefecture on Shikoku Island in southern Japan where the father of Marugame founder Takaya Awata is from Awata was inspired to open his first Sanuki udon restaurant in Kakogawa city in Hyogo Prefecture back in 2000 Popular dishes include the nikutama (based on an umami-rich broth with sweet beef and beef (traditional dashi broth with sweet beef) The two vegan options include the vegan miso and the tan tan noodle dishes customers can choose between a traditional iced matcha tea or calamansi lemonade diners grab trays and order from the open-theater kitchen choosing their toppings as they move along a cafeteria-style counter Once a diner specifies what type of udon they want the bowl itself is dipped in a 190-degree Fahrenheit liquid to heat the ceramic bowl the noodles and broth are added from a separate vat Customers are also asked if they want their bowls “sanuki-style” which is a sign of welcoming hospitality in Japanese dining according to Akinobu “Aki” Matsuo culinary director for Marugame North America who is in town to supervise the San Diego opening who visits every North American location once a month to ensure quality control tells Eater that the UTC restaurant will offer seasonal specials like unique toppings or drinks This is the chain’s 12th outpost in California and store manager Kobe Thrower says that it could become its second busiest location after Hawaii The Marugame Udon team shared that the company is planning to ultimately open five locations across San Diego, with possible locations coming to Mitsuwa Marketplace, Convoy District in the new Zion Market complex The fast-casual noodle shop is landing later this month at Westfield UTC One of Japan’s most prominent noodle experts is finally set to open its doors in San Diego. Marugame Udon, a hugely popular udon noodle chain from Japan tells Eater that its new location at Westfield UTC is slated to debut by mid-to-late March The fast-casual noodle shop is moving into the former Veggie Grill space near Macy’s and next to Eureka Restaurant Marugame Udon is known as Marugame Seimen in Japan where it operates well over 800 quick-service restaurants The incoming San Diego store joins existing locations in the L.A the region where the father of Marugame founder Takaya Awata is from with diners customizing their bowls by selecting additional toppings from a cafeteria-like counter they’ll be able to watch the culinary action in the open Popular bowls include nikutama with beef which is available hot or cold kitsune served in dashi with sweet fried tofu Tempura is a side dish frequently eaten with udon and the menu features tempura-fried shrimp Under the umbrella Toridoll Holdings Awata has since added other brands like Tam Jai a pizza and Greek restaurant chain in the U.K His company now operates 1,900 establishments globally out of its headquarters in Tokyo Marugame Udon a Japanese brand with over 1,200 locations globally has solidified its presence with thirteen locations across the U.S Marugame Udon is known for its handcrafted Sanuki-style udon The brand is focusing on expanding across the Pacific and is slated to open an additional 4 restaurants by Q2 2024 Marugame Udon has achieved early success through its loyalty program a leading loyalty and guest engagement program for restaurants introduced Access Pass in 2022 as a non-discount reward to enhance customer engagement This innovative feature enables restaurants to offer exclusive access and unique experiences Access Pass facilitates the creation of personalized non-discount rewards that engage guests by making them feel like they are part of an exclusive club Marugame Udon effectively integrated Thanx’s Access Pass in various ways including the introduction of a Happy Hour promotion provided a free Tempura or Calamansi-Ade with a purchase of $15 exclusively available to loyalty members who had received the Access Pass Results from the two Marugame campaigns using the Access Pass revealed redemption rates between 6-10% Marugame Udon’s success with Thanx’s Access Pass Program reflects a broader trend among restaurant brands and personalized experiences can help restaurants avoid broad-based discounts and instead award their most valuable customers with experiences or digital assets to foster customer loyalty “Omotenashi is the Japanese concept of selfless hospitality and is at the core of our brand’s relationship with our guests When we embarked on this journey in the U.S. we needed a vendor-partnership team able to deliver on this service expectation while also keeping up with our rapid pace of expansion,” adds Yi Many restaurant brands seek to drive traffic through engaging incentives that create moments of delight. Thanx’s Access Pass allows brands to customize rewards with on-brand imagery and consistency. This is where Dreambox Marugame Udon’s program design aligns seamlessly with the brand’s global messaging “As our team at Dreambox continues to collaborate with Thanx on effective customer campaigns this launch with Marugame saw impressive results as we were able to work with the Thanx team supporting our common client to match proper messaging and segmentation to guest needs Our client has a remarkable strategic plan for the brand Marugame Udon’s success with Thanx’s Access Pass Program underscores the potential of innovative loyalty programs to significantly impact revenue through thoughtful By offering exclusive rewards and personalized experiences brands can cultivate customer loyalty without falling into the discount dependency cycle ultimately creating a mutually beneficial relationship for both the restaurant and its customers Does your company have news it would like to share with our readers? If so, we invite you to review our editorial guidelines and submit your press release for publishing consideration Wendy’s to Test Dynamic Pricing as Part of Its Investment in Digital Menu Boards Using New Technologies to Address Food Waste in the Restaurant Industry San Francisco has an exciting new udon restaurant in town and it’s not in Japantown: it’s in the mall Marugame Udon discreetly opened its doors in Stonestown Galleria before Christmas debuting an authentic cafeteria-style udon and tempura spot with affordable prices Nestled in between Olive Garden and Chipotle the 100-seat wood-clad restaurant is reminiscent of a bustling udon shop in Japan with a varied selection of udon noodle bowls Diners order their bowl (hot or cold and small or large) which is boiled to order Then it’s on to the tempura and musubi bar where diners can choose their own options and ending with a stop at the toppings bar where udon bowls are finished with cilantro It fits right in with its affordably priced neighbors: The basic kama-age udon is $4.50 while the more loaded nikutama bowl (with sweet beef kake sauce) is $8.50 for a regular size and $9.50 for a large; other preset options include beef Meanwhile tempura ranges from $1.30 to $2.20 per piece The Marugame location in Stonestown Galleria is only the second in the United States, following the fall opening of a shop in LA’s Sawtelle neighborhood there are 786 stores currently open in Japan with another 204 stores across 12 countries they’ve kind of got this udon thing dialed in with a special opening though its now open daily from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m Already have an account? Log in here Fresh hand-crafted udon from Marugame Udon A rendering of the new restaurant row at Westfield Southcenter A Japanese restaurant known for its fresh, Sanuki-style udon; crispy tempura selections; and “theater” kitchens where guests can watch their food being made is coming to the new “restaurant row” on the north side of Westfield Southcenter mall in Tukwila later this year A Japanese restaurant known for its fresh, Sanuki-style udon; crispy tempura selections; and “theater” kitchens where guests can watch their food being made is coming to the new “restaurant row” on the north side of Westfield Southcenter mall in Tukwila later this year It will be the first Washington state location for Marugame Udon Marugame Udon was founded 20 years ago by Awata-San and is inspired by traditional udon kitchens in Sanuki according to an announcement today on the opening Marugame Udon will be the final addition to the restaurant row announced last fall. It will join the row’s Korean barbecue restaurant chain Gen Korean BBQ which celebrated its grand opening earlier this month The restaurant row is located between Macy’s and Round1 Bowling and Arcade Get to know this year's Best of the South Sound cohort learn more about a new swim school in Tacoma president and CEO of Toridoll Holdings Corporation delivers opening remarks during the grand opening of his Marugame Udon restaurant at The Village of Donki in Tamuning on Wednesday delivers remarks during the grand opening of Marugame Udon at The Village of Donki in Tamuning on Wednesday Lou Leon Guerrero speaks during the grand opening of Marugame Udon at The Village of Donki in Tamuning on Wednesday DANCERS: Guma' Råsan Åcho' Latte performs at the grand opening of Marugame Udon at The Village of Donki in Tamuning on Wednesday TRADITIONAL DRUMS: A Japan Club of Guam and Guam Nikkei Association drum group delivers a wadaiko and bon dance performance during the grand opening of Marugame Udon at The Village of Donki in Tamuning on Wednesday DRUMMERS: A Japan Club of Guam and Guam Nikkei Association drum group delivers a wadaiko and bon dance performance during the grand opening of Marugame Udon at The Village of Donki in Tamuning on Wednesday RIBBON-CUTTING: Dignitaries gather for a ribbon-cutting ceremony during the grand opening of Marugame Udon at The Village of Donki in Tamuning on Wednesday READY TO DINE: Dignitaries and others line up to order during the grand opening of Marugame Udon at The Village of Donki in Tamuning on Wednesday UDON NOODLES: A cook prepares udon noodles during the grand opening of Marugame Udon at The Village of Donki in Tamuning on Wednesday SIGNATURE UDON: A cook prepares udon noodles during the grand opening of Marugame Udon at The Village of Donki in Tamuning on Wednesday Marugame Udon celebrated its grand opening at The Village of Donki in Tamuning on Wednesday Guests enjoyed entertainment and delicious food at the event with distinguished speakers welcoming the restaurant to Guam University of Guam students and faculty are leveraging international academic conferences to foster economic innovation and workforce development positioning the island as a hub for what School of Business and Public Administration Dean Roseann Jones Saturday’s Mad Collab Block Party in Hagåtña brought together more than 70 local businesses and artists in celebration with hundreds of attendees It was all about the wonders of Artificial Intelligence in the palm of your hand All of the latest features in Samsung's Galaxy AI were showcased at a GTA-sponsored event Thursday Subscribe! Honolulu Magazine | Honolulu Family A post shared by Hawai‘i Food Blog • Locally Owned + Written (@frolichawaii) à la carte sides of tempura and musubi and affordable prices Marugame Udon (formerly Marukame Udon) has been among the top places for both locals and visitors craving an easy and authentic bowl of udon the second location of Toridoll USA’s restaurant chain addition to its menu: Noodle lovers can now order a 22-ounce Sapporo or 16-ounce Suntory Premium Malts to enjoy with their favorite udon and sides The Downtown location is celebrating its new offering with extended hours plus one hour of free validated parking in the Pantheon Building on Fort Street Mall (entrance on S Pauahi St.) For more information on Marugame Udon, visit marugamudon.com a Cotogna alum is opening an Italian restaurant in the Marina Welcome to p.m. Intel, your bite-sized roundup of Bay Area food and restaurant news. Tips are always welcome, drop them here