Hamilton is getting another reason to reach for chopsticks. Kinton Ramen has opened the doors to its newest restaurant at 1183 Wilson St. W., Unit 5B, in Ancaster, Ontario, marking the brand’s third Hamilton-area location. According to a company news release, the restaurant is currently in its soft-opening phase, with an official grand opening still to come.
For Kinton Ramen, the new Wilson Street address is another step in a Hamilton story that began three years ago. The brand’s first local restaurant opened at 1379 Upper James St., followed by its King William Street location downtown about a year later, according to Kinton Ramen.
“Hamilton has been an incredible market for Kinton Ramen,” Marketing Director Trista Jorgensen said in the company’s announcement. She pointed to the response from local guests as a sign of the appetite for the brand, adding that Kinton Ramen is looking forward to becoming part of the Ancaster community.
At the heart of the concept is, naturally, the ramen. According to Kinton Ramen’s website, diners can build their bowl around different soup bases, flavours, noodles and proteins, with choices spanning pork, beef, chicken and vegetarian options. The result is a menu designed to let guests make the bowl their own, whether that means keeping things classic or turning up the heat.
The Ontario menu gives plenty of room for experimentation. Kinton Ramen lists favourites including Pork Original Ramen, Chicken Miso Ramen, Chicken Spicy Garlic, Chicken Spicy Jalapeño and Veggie Original Ramen, according to its website. Gyoza, Tokyo Fries and other sides round out the menu, while beer and sake are also available for guests looking to linger over their meal.
What began as a single Toronto restaurant in 2012 has since become a much larger Canadian operation. According to Kinton Ramen’s website, the brand has grown to more than 60 locations across five provinces, bringing its ramen-focused concept to communities throughout Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, Alberta and Manitoba.
The latest chapter comes as Kinton Ramen enters a new phase of growth. According to the company, Canadian restaurant franchisor Foodtastic acquired the rights to Kinton Ramen in June, creating another avenue for the brand’s continued expansion across the country.
Now, the steam is rising in Ancaster. With its newest restaurant already welcoming guests during its soft opening, Kinton Ramen is planting another flag in Hamilton—this time bringing its bowls, sides and Japanese-inspired menu to Wilson Street.
