Ivan Ramen

About Ivan Ramen

Chef Ivan Orkin started out as a dishwasher in a sushi bar when he was 15 before turning his love of everything Japanese into a ramen shop business, launching in Tokyo before following that with a flagship store in New York. This was followed by cookbooks, an appearance on Netflix’s Chef’s Table and pop-ups around the world.

In 2023, Ivan Ramen signed with Sessions, the growth platform for original food brands, and in February 2024, Sessions announced it would be bringing the concept to London ahead of plans for an eventual 50 sites across the UK. Sessions will be working with Orkin and his team to find experienced operators to become their first Ivan Ramen partners.

Dan Warne, founder and chief executive of Sessions, said: “Our goal at Sessions has always been to increase access to original food brands, collaborating with the best global talent. Therefore, we seek concepts that consumers can experience in physical environments, as well as through delivery at home. Bringing Ivan Orkin and his iconic food to our network is something we’re very proud of, and we look forward to launching his debut restaurants in the UK.”

Orkin added: “We’ve wanted to launch in the UK since our experience with the Sessions pop-ups in Brighton and Islington. The ramen scene in London is particularly exciting, and I can’t wait to introduce my dishes to a new audience. Partnering with Sessions is the perfect way to launch Ivan Ramen in the UK.”

In October 2025, Orkin said he will open his first permanent restaurant in the UK, at 98 Farringdon Road in London, in November. He said: “London isn’t just a world-class restaurant destination - it is home to one of the most exciting ramen scenes anywhere, and I’m thrilled to finally be a part of it.”

Dan Warne, chief executive and founder of Sessions, said: “Bringing Ivan Ramen - created by one of the world’s most celebrated ramen chefs - to the UK is a milestone for Sessions.”

In May 2026, while commenting that Sessions will grow fellow brand SoBe Burger to 80 QSR locations by the end of 2027, founder Dan Warne said he sees “similar potential” for Ivan Ramen. He added: “Ivan Ramen is going very well so far, and we’re looking to open a second London location within the next nine months and then expand aggressively.”

Why franchise with Ivan Ramen

• ✓An Ivan Ramen restaurant moulds together the New York dining experience with that of a traditional ramen shop. They are typically on the high street, or other high footfall street, and are between 1,500 to 2,000 square feet, with an alcohol license and delivery access.
• ✓They feature a traditional ramen bar, an open kitchen, a casual dining vibe and traditional artwork and murals. Minimum investment is £1m, with franchisees required to have the ability and desire to be a lead franchisee for London, have experience in fast-paced exciting concepts and a track record of delivering exceptional results.
• ✓“We’re here to redefine franchising and break the mould,” a Sessions spokesman said. “Operators are constrained to franchise one single brand from their site, and one that can’t move with changing consumer profiles or the times.
• ✓“Our partners can franchise our full range of brands, and we are constantly adding new ones to our portfolio. we deliver original food to you. We seek it out in global streets and develop it with people who have a fresh take. Then, we partner with venues across the country to offer on-demand delivery. We're on the other side of the order button in 300 venues and counting.
• ✓“The kind of people creating original food can’t be everywhere all at once, but we can. We've worked out the logistics – from taste testing hundreds of chicken wings to training chefs to perfecting the burger box – so that we can get more original food to more people.
• ✓“Since 2020, we’ve scaled 12 food brands, partnered with 300+-plus independent businesses, and launched curated residencies in iconic venues. Not to mention founding and operating Shelter Hall in Brighton. We take everything we know and use it to empower your local restaurant, pub or venue to deliver our food. It’s on your kitchen table in 30 minutes because we've spent 10,000 hours figuring out how to do it.”