Foodtastic Acquires Kinton Ramen As Canadian Ramen Brand Enters Next Growth Phase
A Toronto-founded ramen chain is now part of one of Canada’s major restaurant groups.
Foodtastic has acquired Kinton Ramen, the Japanese ramen brand that first opened in Toronto in 2012. The deal makes Kinton Ramen the 30th brand in Foodtastic’s restaurant portfolio.
The move adds a Canadian-born Asian dining brand to Foodtastic’s network, which already includes names such as Milestones, Second Cup, Pita Pit, Quesada, Freshii, La Belle et La Bœuf, and Rôtisseries Benny.
Kinton Ramen currently operates 58 locations across Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, Alberta, Manitoba, and New York.
Kinton Ramen Started In Toronto
Kinton Ramen opened in Toronto in 2012 and became one of the city’s early ramen chains.
The brand built its name around ramen bowls, sides, and drinks, with restaurants designed for dine-in, takeout, and delivery.
Today, Kinton Ramen has locations in several Canadian provinces, including multiple restaurants in Toronto and the GTA. Its location list includes spots in areas such as Liberty Village, Harbourfront, Church Street, High Park, Don Mills, Mississauga, Markham, Brampton, and Scarborough.
What Is Changing For Customers
For now, customers should not expect major changes at Kinton Ramen.
Foodtastic said there are no plans to change Kinton Ramen’s menu, loyalty program, brand identity, franchisee relationships, or guest visit.
That means the chain is expected to keep operating under the Kinton Ramen name, with the same food direction and restaurant model already in place.
The company said it will focus on supporting Kinton Ramen’s growth in Canada using Foodtastic’s operating and franchise network.
What Foodtastic Said About The Deal
Peter Mammas, founder and CEO of Foodtastic, said the company had been looking to add an Asian dining concept to its group.
He said Kinton Ramen has a strong position in the Canadian restaurant market, with a loyal customer base, a clear food identity, and room to expand.
Foodtastic said its scale, infrastructure, and franchise background will help support the ramen brand’s next stage of growth.
Kinton Ramen Has A Large Ontario Presence
Kinton Ramen already has a noticeable footprint in Ontario.
Its location page lists restaurants in Toronto and nearby cities, along with other Ontario locations such as Waterloo, London, Burlington, Ottawa, Markham, Mississauga, and more.
Some Toronto locations include Harbourfront, Koreatown, King East, Yonge and Eglinton, and Yonge and Richmond.
For people in the GTA, the acquisition is less about a new restaurant opening and more about what could come next for a ramen chain that already has local roots.
What Kinton Ramen Said
James Kim, founder of Kinton Ramen, said the brand has focused on serving a strong ramen visit to guests “one bowl at a time.”
He said Foodtastic understands the value of keeping the brand familiar to both customers and franchisees.The acquisition gives Kinton Ramen more support as it grows, while keeping the parts of the brand that customers already know.
Foodtastic Continues To Add Restaurant Brands
Foodtastic is a Canadian restaurant franchisor based in Montreal. The company was founded in 2016 and has grown through restaurant acquisitions and franchise development.
Its portfolio now includes 30 brands and more than 1,200 establishments across the country.
Foodtastic operates across several restaurant categories, including quick-service, fast-casual, coffee, healthy-eating, casual-dining, and specialty dining.
The addition of Kinton Ramen gives the company a larger presence in the Asian dining space and brings another Toronto-born restaurant name into its national restaurant group.
Where To Find Kinton Ramen
Kinton Ramen has restaurants across Canada and in New York.
In Ontario, the chain has locations in Toronto, Mississauga, Markham, Brampton, Scarborough, North York, and other areas.
Customers can check the full restaurant list through Kinton Ramen’s location page.
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