Bari-Uma

About Bari-Uma

Bari-Uma is a Japanese ramen franchise developed by With Link Co., Ltd., a restaurant group established in 1992. Its first restaurant opened in Hiroshima in April 2003, followed by its first franchised location that October. The brand specialises in tonkotsu-shoyu ramen, combining pork and chicken bone extracts with soy sauce for a rich, creamy broth.

Its menu also includes gyoza, karaage, yakitori and fried rice, with selected dishes adapted to local tastes. Bari-Uma expanded overseas in 2014 and now operates in several Asian markets, Australia and the UK. Its first UK restaurant opened in Edinburgh in October 2024.

The franchise model uses pre-packaged soup produced in Japan to maintain consistency and simplify preparation. Restaurants make fresh noodles on-site using Japanese equipment. With approximately 75 restaurants reported worldwide, Bari-Uma is seeking further international franchise partners, including in Europe.

Why franchise with Bari-Uma

• ✓Established Japanese ramen franchise with international experience and a heritage dating back to 2003.
• ✓Signature tonkotsu-shoyu ramen and freshly made noodles offer an authentic Japanese dining experience.
• ✓Centralised soup production in Japan supports consistent flavour and simpler restaurant preparation.
• ✓Pre-packaged broth with a reported shelf life of up to one year can simplify stock management.
• ✓Training is available in English and Chinese, supporting franchise partners in international mark

Investment breakdown

Minimum investment	£364,000
Franchise fee	£18,200
Management service fee	5%
Marketing contribution	No marketing fee (0%)
Agreement term	5 years

What's expected of a franchisee

Property requirements

Bari-Uma seeks restaurant sites of approximately 100 m² (1,076 sq ft), with space for customer seating, food preparation and efficient kitchen operations. Suitable formats include shopping centres, food courts, roadside premises and busy city-centre locations. Kitchens must accommodate noodle-making equipment, ingredient storage and ramen preparation. The franchisor offers support with design and construction; extraction, utilities and other site specifications require confirmation.

Training and support

Bari-Uma trains franchisees and staff in daily operations, ramen preparation and quality standards, with training available in English and Chinese. Support includes operating manuals, restaurant design and construction guidance, and access to established ingredient sourcing and supply chains. Pre-packaged soup from Japan simplifies preparation, while With Link provides operational advice and guidance on adapting menus to local markets. Training duration and launch support should be confirmed.

Operational requirements

Bari-Uma franchisees operate Japanese ramen restaurants serving tonkotsu-shoyu ramen and approved side dishes. They must follow procedures for storing and preparing imported soup bases and producing fresh noodles on-site. Responsibilities include staffing, stock control, customer service, financial administration and food safety compliance. Operators must maintain product quality, complete required training and coordinate with the franchisor on approved local menu adaptations.

Experience required

Bari-Uma seeks franchise partners with business management skills, commercial awareness and the resources to establish a restaurant. Professional cooking experience is not required, thanks to its simplified preparation model. Hospitality, retail or franchising experience is beneficial but not essential. Operators should be confident managing staff, maintaining standards and completing training. International partners also need local market knowledge and the ability to manage imports.