Tomonori Takahashi, CEO and Founder of the Robata JINYA and JINYA Ramen Bar restaurant concepts, announces a new, “build-your-own” fast casual ramen concept, JINYA Ramen Express, opening Saturday, November 21, 2015 at the Hollywood & Highland Center. Drawing from its culinary roots in Japan, JINYA Ramen Bar has been recognized as a pioneer amongst ramen devotees since it first arrived in Studio City in 2010, anchored by its signature and indulgent black tonkotsu bowl. The new restaurant will also offer guests the beloved tonkotsu bowl, as well as the opportunity to customize their ramen with a diverse selection of broths, including pork, chicken, and vegetable; noodles; proteins; sauces; and garnishes, all visible along the ordering line.
Like at other JINYA Ramen Bar locations, Takahashi not only emphasizes the quality ingredients, but also the rich culture surrounding the Japanese staple. “JINYA Ramen Express marries authentic ramen, a quintessential comfort food, with the often fast-paced lifestyle of American consumers,” says Takahashi. “Fast food doesn’t mean drive-throughs anymore, especially in Los Angeles. Diners want food that’s chef-driven, quick, and affordable without having to dedicate two hours to a meal, and that’s what JINYA Ramen Express is all about.”
Using the secret recipe for a 10-hour simmered broth and 3-day aged noodles that brought JINYA notoriety, the Hollywood & Highland concept showcases all of its ingredients along the customer line ready to be added to a customizable Ramen, Ramen Salad, or Rice Bowl. Guests have the choice of thick or thin noodles and a preferred broth—such as JINYA’s signature Tonkotsu, Spicy Chicken, or Vegan, among others—before moving down the line to top off with a variety of proteins, vegetables, garnishes, sauces, and more. Proteins include Pork Chashu, Beef or Chicken Saboro, Mapo Tofu, and Grilled or Crispy Chicken. Custom bowls start at $7.80.
Any guest that wants to leave their decision to the professionals can order a signature JINYA Ramen Express bowl, such as the Ramen Salad Bowl ($8.80) with spinach noodles, romaine lettuce, cilantro, tomato, corn butter, grilled chicken, spicy sauce, sesame sauce, and sesame; and Grilled Chicken Rice Bowl ($8.80) with brown rice, cilantro, tomato, Brussels sprouts, pork soboro, grilled chicken, egg, sesame, and green onion. Takahashi’s ubiquitous JINYA Tonkotsu Black ($9.80) with pork broth, green onion, jalapeno, spicy bean sprouts, pork chashu, black garlic oil, crispy garlic, egg, kikurage, and sesame is also available.
The 700 square-foot space boasts a clean and modern design from Satoshi Ikedo of Ikedo Design, allowing for JINYA Ramen Express’ cuisine to shine. Staying true to the JINYA brand, the use of industrial elements, including numerous shades of gray, dark wood paneling, exposed antique brick, and Edison light fixtures, provides an edgy, alternative backdrop for the space’s true protagonist: ramen. With a floor-to-ceiling glass storefront, eyes are drawn to the service counter framed by beautiful porcelain tiles, wood grain patterns, and an ebony-colored dropped soffit, while soothing neutrals balance the fast-paced experience of JINYA’s express service.
In addition to the JINYA Ramen Bar concepts, Takahashi is behind the popular Robata JINYA on West Third Street in Los Angeles and seven restaurants in Tokyo, Japan. The eldest son of a Japanese restaurateur, Takahashi opened his first restaurant, Sabakuro Ebisu, in 2000 before founding several “Izakaya”-style concepts around Tokyo. He opened the first JINYA Ramen Bar in Studio City, CA in 2010 and there are currently 11 locations in the United States and Canada, with plans for corporate and franchised expansion to Austin, TX; Washington, D.C.; Atlanta, GA; Toronto, ON; and San Jose, CA, among others.
JINYA Ramen Express will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, and will be located on the 3rd floor of the Hollywood & Highland Center at 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Suite 317, Los Angeles, CA 90028. For more information, please visit www.jinya-ramenbar.com, Facebook, or Instagram.
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