Kinton Ramen, a Canadian-founded Japanese ramen restaurant chain, has been acquired by Canadian restaurant franchisor Foodtastic.
The acquisition adds an established Asian dining concept to Foodtastic’s growing portfolio, according to Retail Insider. Foodtastic says the acquisition aligns with its strategy of investing in restaurant brands with distinctive identities and long-term growth potential. Customers can expect Kinton Ramen to continue serving its signature lineup of ramen, Japanese sides, beverages, and desserts across its existing network of locations.
Founded in Toronto in 2012, Kinton Ramen was among the first Japanese ramen restaurants to open in the city. Since then, the brand has expanded throughout Canada and into the United States, growing to 58 locations across Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, Alberta, Manitoba, and New York. The company serves dine-in, takeout, and delivery customers and has become one of the largest ramen chains operating in North America.
Foodtastic describes itself as one of Canada’s leading restaurant franchisors. The company operates more than 1,200 establishments across approximately 30 restaurant brands nationwide. Its portfolio includes well-known concepts such as Milestones, Dunkin’, Pita Pit, Quesada, Second Cup, Rotisseries Benny, La Belle et La Bœuf, and Freshii. The addition of Kinton Ramen broadens Foodtastic’s presence within the Asian dining segment.
Kinton Ramen’s menu centers on customizable ramen bowls featuring pork, beef, chicken, and vegetarian broth options paired with a choice of flavors including original, shoyu, miso, and spicy varieties. The menu also includes sides such as Tokyo Fries, karaage, gyoza, takoyaki, and donburi bowls, as well as desserts like cheesecake and matcha ice cream. Customers can also order sake, beer, nonalcoholic beverages, and combination meals designed for individuals and groups.
The brand’s leadership credits its growth to a focus on authentic Japanese ramen adapted for Canadian diners. Executive Chef Aki Urata has helped shape the menu and culinary direction since the company’s early years. With Foodtastic now overseeing the brand, Kinton Ramen enters its next chapter backed by one of the country’s largest restaurant operators.
“We have been looking to add a strong Asian concept to our portfolio for some time, and Kinton Ramen is exactly the kind of brand we wanted to bring into Foodtastic,” Peter Mammas, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Foodtastic, tells Retail Insider. “Kinton has built a clear position in the Canadian restaurant market, with a loyal following, a strong culinary identity, and significant room to grow. We believe Foodtastic’s scale, infrastructure, and franchise expertise will help support the brand’s next stage of growth across Canada.”
