Kawahara, also known as the “Ramen King,” launched the first Ippudo location, a small, 10-seat shop with a menu boasting artisan Hakata Tonkotsu ramen. This style of ramen is a regional variety specific to Fukuoka and is made with a pork-based broth cooked at a rolling boil, lending it a rich body and an opaque, milky-white appearance.

Ippudo is now a global chain with more than 240 units, with over 10 years of experience in the U.S. market since its first New York City opening in 2008.

Equipped with its 2017 partnership with Rosemead, Calif.-based Panda Restaurant Group, the ramen concept has expanded to California, with locations in Berkeley, San Francisco and, most recently, Santa Monica.

In addition to its signature ramen bowls, Ippudo also offers izakaya-style dishes and a beverage program that includes alcoholic drinks such as beer and sake.

“Since entering North America 10 years ago, Ippudo has helped shape ramen culture not only in the United States, but internationally, even attracting a younger customer base which the ramen industry was not used to,” said Tomoyuki Yamane, Ippudo’s director of corporate strategy.