The launch of Ivan Ramen’s first permanent London restaurant marks more than just a new opening – it represents the next chapter in the global growth of one of the world’s most respected ramen brands. Founded by legendary chef Ivan Orkin, Ivan Ramen has built an international reputation for combining deep Japanese technique with creativity, personality and uncompromising quality.
From its origins in Tokyo to its cult status in New York, Ivan Ramen has always stood apart in a crowded category. Orkin’s rise to global recognition, amplified by his appearance on Netflix’s Chef’s Table, helped introduce ramen to a wider audience while setting a new benchmark for authenticity and flavour. In London, years of anticipation – fuelled by sold-out pop-ups and residencies – have now culminated in a permanent home in Clerkenwell, widely regarded as one of the city’s key food destinations.
From Cult Restaurant to Scalable Concept
The London opening is a proving ground for something bigger: the careful, considered franchising of the Ivan Ramen brand. Rather than pursuing rapid or traditional franchise rollouts, the focus is on building a scalable model that protects the integrity of the food, the experience and the story behind the brand.
Partnering with Sessions, Ivan Ramen is exploring how franchising can unlock global expansion while maintaining the standards that made the brand famous. Sessions’ approach centres on operational excellence, data-led site selection and hands-on support, ensuring that each future location delivers the same depth of flavour and cultural credibility as the original restaurants.
Why Ivan Ramen Is Built for Franchising
Ramen is one of the fastest-growing global food categories, yet the UK and Europe still lack truly iconic, chef-led ramen brands at scale. Ivan Ramen occupies a rare position: globally recognised, critically acclaimed, and already proven across multiple international markets. The menu is tightly curated, operationally repeatable, and built around processes that lend themselves to training and consistency.
At the same time, the brand’s strength lies in its personality and storytelling. Ivan Ramen is not just a bowl of noodles; it’s the journey of a New York chef who earned respect in Japan and brought that philosophy back to the world.
A Long-Term Vision
The London restaurant represents the first step in a broader franchise roadmap, designed to establish Ivan Ramen as the definitive premium ramen brand.
For Ivan Orkin, franchising offers a way to share his food with new audiences without diluting what makes it special. For Sessions, it is a chance to help shape a world-class brand into a scalable business – one that balances creativity with commercial discipline.
As Ivan Ramen begins this next phase, the goal is clear: to build a franchise network worthy of the name, the craft and the legacy behind it – one bowl at a time.
