Maki of Japan

Maki of Japan

Information based on 2022 FDD

Food & Beverage · Asian

Investment min
$670K
Total: $670K–$1M
Avg gross revenue
N/A
Unit-level, 2022
Franchise fee
$30K
Per current disclosure
Royalty
6%
of gross revenue
Locations
12
Franchising since 2005

Description

What is Maki of Japan?

Maki of Japan represents an exciting opportunity in the Asian food service sector, specializing in authentic Japanese cuisine with a focus on high-quality ramen, sushi, and traditional dishes. Since its establishment in 1991, the brand has built a sterling reputation for delivering exceptional dining experiences that combine traditional Japanese culinary techniques with modern operational efficiency.

The franchise stands out for its carefully curated menu featuring signature ramen bowls with customizable broths and proteins, fresh sushi rolls, and popular items like bulgogi buns and gyoza dumplings. What sets Maki of Japan apart is its commitment to authentic flavors, fresh ingredients, and consistent quality across all locations. The business model emphasizes both dine-in and takeout services, catering to today's diverse consumer preferences.

Franchisees benefit from a proven operational system that has been refined over three decades, including comprehensive training in Japanese cuisine preparation, inventory management, and customer service excellence. The brand's efficient kitchen design and streamlined processes allow for high-volume service while maintaining food quality and customer satisfaction.

The concept has demonstrated particular success in urban and suburban locations, attracting a loyal customer base of both casual diners and Japanese food enthusiasts. With the growing popularity of Asian cuisine in the American market and increasing consumer demand for authentic international flavors, Maki of Japan offers a compelling business opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to enter the thriving Asian restaurant segment.
  • Established authentic Japanese dining concept since 1991
  • Comprehensive menu featuring ramen, sushi, and donburi
  • Signature pork bone broth simmered for 12 hours daily
  • Fresh sushi prepared by skilled sushi chefs
  • Commitment to wholesome, fresh ingredients and healthy preparation methods
  • Authentic Japanese atmosphere with focus on hospitality and cleanliness

Location Analysis

Where Maki of Japan wins

Maki of Japan maintains a modest footprint across multiple states, with notable presence in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions, particularly in Maryland, Tennessee, and Virginia. This concentrated regional presence suggests a strategic focus on markets with strong Asian food demographics and shopping center locations. The franchise's average rating across locations indicates room for operational improvement, though standout performers like Nashville's Opry Mills demonstrate potential for excellence in high-traffic retail destinations.

The current geographic distribution reveals both opportunities and challenges. While established markets show viability, significant gaps exist in major Asian cuisine markets across the Northeast and West Coast. The franchise's presence in diverse markets from Massachusetts to Texas suggests adaptability to different regional tastes, though measured expansion patterns indicate a cautious growth strategy.

Ideal locations for new franchises should target high-traffic retail centers, particularly shopping malls and entertainment districts, in metropolitan areas with significant Asian populations and strong dining-out demographics. Success factors include proximity to retail anchors, dense daytime population, and areas with median household incomes above $60,000. Potential franchisees should focus on underserved markets in existing territories, particularly in Texas and Massachusetts, where brand recognition exists but competition may be less saturated.
Total US locations
16
Franchise units
12
Corporate locations
4
Avg. sq. footage
N/A

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Financial Analysis

The numbers behind Maki of Japan

Avg gross revenueN/A
Investment range$670,000 – $1,270,900
Investment midpoint$970,450
Brand fund0%
Royalty6%
Franchise fee$30,000
Min. net worth
Min. liquid capital
Maki of Japan requires a substantial investment of $670,000-$1,270,900, positioning it significantly above the Asian sub-sector average of $380,048-$797,206. This elevated investment reflects the comprehensive nature of Japanese restaurant operations, including specialized kitchen equipment, refrigeration systems, and authentic interior design elements. The premium positioning suggests requirements for substantial liquid capital and net worth, typically necessitating SBA financing or investor partnerships for most franchisees.

The Asian restaurant segment benefits from growing consumer demand for authentic dining experiences and healthy options. Japanese cuisine particularly appeals to health-conscious demographics seeking fresh, high-quality ingredients. However, operational complexity of sushi preparation and ramen broth production typically requires skilled labor and extensive training protocols.

With 16 units since 1991, Maki of Japan demonstrates measured growth over three decades, indicating conservative expansion and selective franchisee approval. This limited scale may reflect stringent quality standards or challenges in system scalability, potentially affecting brand recognition compared to larger Asian concepts. Revenue data is not currently available for performance comparison.

The investment suits experienced restaurant operators with substantial capital reserves and understanding of labor-intensive food service operations. Multi-unit development potential may be limited given the system's current scale and operational demands.

Prospective investors should thoroughly review the FDD and conduct comprehensive due diligence, particularly regarding territory rights, training duration, and ongoing operational support given the specialized nature of Japanese cuisine preparation.
Did you know? Starting your own Maki of Japan franchise - bringing authentic Japanese cuisine and fresh sushi to your community - requires a total investment between $670,000 and $1,270,900, which includes the $30,000 franchise fee plus all the essential startup costs like equipment, buildout, inventory, and working capital needed to launch your restaurant successfully.

Financing partners

Vetted partners, tailored to franchisees

Your Franzy advisor can connect you with these partners later in the process — competitive rates, specialized in franchise financing.

FranFund

Lender

CRF USA

Nonprofit SBA lender; provides financing for franchise acquisitions, startups, and expansion.

Lender

First Bank of the Lake

Lender

Pension Pros

Lender

FDD Item 7

Initial investment range

$670K–$1M
Most common
$670,000
Minimum
$970,450
Midpoint
$1,270,900
Maximum

Per FDD Item 7, total initial investment ranges from $670,000 to $1,270,900. The midpoint $970,450 is what most franchisees report at signing — financing typically reduces cash-at-close by 80–90%. Knowing the investment range helps you plan confidently and ensure you're fully prepared to make the leap.

Growth over time

Franchise footprint

0% YoY
201612840
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
16 units open as of 2022 FDD

2022 Franchise Disclosure

FDD documents

Below are items 2, 3, 4, 7, 11 and 19 for Maki of Japan's 2022 FDD. The complete FDD is delivered to you directly by the franchisor, per the FTC Franchise Rule.

Estimated initial investment
FDD Item 7 · PDF
Financial performance representations
FDD Item 19 · PDF
Members-only items
Executive team
FDD Item 2 · PDF
Litigation
FDD Item 3 · PDF
Bankruptcy
FDD Item 4 · PDF
Franchisor assistance
FDD Item 11 · PDF
Members only
Unlock the 2022 FDD

Connect to download Items 2, 3, 4, and 11 — direct from the franchisor.

Buyer FAQs

Frequently asked questions

The initial investment for a Maki of Japan franchise typically ranges between $670,000.00 and $1,270,900.00. This includes the franchise fee, equipment, real estate, and other startup costs. To get a detailed breakdown and better understand the financial requirements, we recommend scheduling a call with the Franzy team. We'll walk you through the specifics and answer any questions you might have. For more detailed information, refer to the financial sections of the FDD.

Disclaimer. The information provided on this page is based on the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) that is publicly available and that we have on record, which was issued in 2022. This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, financial, or business advice. We make no guarantees or claims regarding the completeness or accuracy. For the most current and detailed information, we recommend consulting the franchisor directly for the most recent FDD and regarding any questions that you may have about the information provided.

Maki of Japan
Maki of Japan
N/A avg revenue · 12+ US franchises

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