Matsuya Foods Holdings

Basic Information

Stock Code: 9887
Industry: Retail
Category Detail: Restaurants
Prefecture: Tokyo
Establishment Year: January 1980
Listing Year: October 1990
Official Website: https://www.matsuyafoods.co.jp/
TSE Information: TSE Information
Yahoo! Finance: Yahoo! Finance
Other Companies: Toridoll, Ringer Hut, Friendly, Yoshinoya HD, Sagami Holdings

Overview

Matsuya Foods is a company founded in 1966, specializing in beef bowls, curry, and set meals as its main offerings, operating the third-largest gyudon chain in Japan with a diverse range of restaurant brands.

Current Situation

Matsuya Foods Holdings is a major restaurant operator with consolidated sales of approximately 127.6 billion yen and operating profit of 5.3 billion yen, managing over 1,000 stores domestically and internationally. Centered on beef bowls, it engages in multifaceted operations including curry, set meals, tonkatsu, sushi, ramen, and steak, strengthening management under a holding company structure. In recent years, it has focused on complex store formats and overseas expansion, with locations in China, Taiwan, the US, and elsewhere. It has also improved customer convenience through digital ordering and payments, as well as advancements in ticket vending machines, while maintaining product freshness and price competitiveness. For sustainability, it promotes waste reduction and local community contributions. Long-term goals include nationwide expansion, strengthening presence in the Asian market, and brand diversification, with active investments in new formats and product development. Amid competition with rivals like Yoshinoya, Sukiya, and Toridoll for market share, ongoing challenges include quality enhancement and customer base expansion.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

Matsuya's gyudon is called 'beef bowl' and uniquely includes free miso soup.
Founded in 1966, originating from a Chinese restaurant in Nerima's Ekoda.
High ratio of curry and set meals differentiates it from Yoshinoya.
Overseas presence includes stores in Shanghai, Taipei, and New York.
Matsuya's logo features an orange circle as a tray, with blue-yellow circles symbolizing beef bowl and miso soup.
As of 2024, 1,046 domestic stores, ranking third in scale.
Aggressively expanding triple-format complex stores to broaden customer base.
Among gyudon chains, it was the last to respond to the 2004 US beef import ban.
Introduced official characters 'Macky & Yacky' in 2016.
In-store automatic ticket vending machines widely support transportation IC cards.
Shareholder benefits include popular meal vouchers.
The 'Matsuya Summit' (dinner with Georgian and Polish ambassadors) was held in 2024.
Matsunoya reached 100 stores in 2016, then rebranded and aimed for overseas expansion.
Unique menu names like 'Shkmeruli Pot Set Meal' feature cuisines from around the world.
Serves as the model for the gyudon chain appearing in the 'Yakuza/Like a Dragon' game series.

Hidden Connections

Founder Toshio Yazuzuki was inspired by Yoshinoya's flavor, sharing ingredient suppliers and applying it to research.
Rare in the restaurant industry, it develops and sells ultra-spicy Sichuan dish 'Boiled Beef in Chili'.
Flexible adaptation by changing miso soup from aka-miso to blended miso based on region.
Pioneering digital ordering and payments via online service 'Matsubento Net'.
Transactions and collaborations with Yoshinoya shareholders and food businesses in the gyudon sector.
Continuously exhibits at Foodex Japan trade show to respond to industry trends.
Once entered Moscow, Russia, but withdrew after about six months.
Employs voice actress Mie Sonozaki for in-store announcements to build brand image.

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

Strengthened customer acquisition through complex brand store expansion
Store count growth and market penetration domestically and internationally
Widespread adoption of digital ordering and contactless payments
Differentiation via new formats and menu diversification
Elevated corporate value through sustainability efforts
Enhanced customer loyalty via community-focused stores
Technological innovations for food safety and quality improvement
Expansion of health-oriented menus
Cost reductions through logistics efficiency
Strengthened franchise support system
New store openings in overseas markets
Customer data utilization centered on app members

Strategic Goals

Conquer all prefectures domestically and expand new formats
Build over 50 overseas stores
Achieve 100% digitalization rate and optimize customer touchpoints
Complete customer harassment countermeasures
Realize sustainable procurement and reduced environmental impact
Maintain industry-leading customer satisfaction
Sustain 10% annual store sales growth
Maintain and improve new product development frequency
Risk reduction through strengthened internal management
Establish diverse and inclusive workplaces

Business Segments

Restaurant Franchise Support

Overview

Support for franchisee openings and operational technical guidance.

Competitiveness

Years of format operation know-how and stable supply system

Customers

Independent startup hopefuls
Local agents
Corporate operators

Products

Store design and development support
Management guidance
Cooking technology provision
Marketing support

Ingredients and Raw Materials Sales

Overview

Supply of high-quality ingredients to group stores and external customers.

Competitiveness

Stable procurement from diverse sources

Customers

Subsidiary restaurant stores
Franchisees
Related businesses

Products

Beef and pork
Curry powder and seasonings
Processed ingredients
Frozen foods

Logistics Services

Overview

Efficient logistics services for ingredients and supplies.

Competitiveness

Nationwide logistics network and temperature control technology

Customers

Group restaurants
External retailers

Products

Ingredient delivery
Refrigerated and frozen transport
Warehouse management

Food Development and Research

Overview

Handles new product development and quality improvement of existing products.

Competitiveness

Product strength and development capabilities attuned to market needs

Customers

Group companies
External restaurant operators

Products

Product development
Menu planning
Quality control

Restaurant Operation Outsourcing

Overview

Business undertaking operations of corporate restaurants.

Competitiveness

Extensive on-site operation experience and efficient management

Customers

Corporate enterprises
Schools
Hospitals and welfare facilities

Products

Employee cafeteria operations
School and hospital meals

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

Brand power as Japan's third-largest gyudon chain
Stable revenue base through multi-format operations
Rapid proprietary menu development and product improvements
Nationwide store network and franchise system
Introduction of digital ordering and payment systems
High cost-performance pricing strategy
Overseas market expansion and local adaptation capabilities
Efficient customer service via automatic ticket vending machines
Accumulated experience and know-how in the restaurant industry
Robust supply chain and ingredient procurement network
Coverage of diverse customer segments (students, salarymen, families)
Group management efficiency under holding company structure
Limited-time offerings of distinctive foreign cuisines
Approachability through official characters
Enhanced online reservation service for bento and prepared foods

Competitive Advantages

Established unique market position with curry and set meals beyond beef bowls
Superior menu composition balancing low prices and quality
Improved customer attraction through complex format stores
Over 1,000 stores centered in major cities nationwide
Extensive menu lineup responding to diversifying customer needs
Enhanced customer convenience via digital technologies
Securing new growth markets through overseas expansion
Regular product improvements and new developments for differentiation from competitors
Strong franchise support system ensuring stable franchisee operations
Risk diversification through broad ingredient procurement routes
Capabilities in sustainable procurement and environmental considerations
Conquest of market niches through diverse restaurant brands
Menu development and store strategies tailored to regional characteristics
Quality improvement leveraging rapid customer feedback
Advanced adoption of contactless payment systems for pandemic response

Threats

Intense price competition in the gyudon market
Risk of rising raw material prices (beef, pork, etc.)
Uncertainty in the restaurant market due to COVID-19 and similar events
Competitors' format diversification and new entrants
Shifts in menu demand due to changing consumer health consciousness
Rising store operation costs from labor shortages
Strengthened food safety and hygiene regulations from policy changes
Challenges in overseas expansion due to cultural and taste differences
Risks of logistics delays and supply chain disruptions
Potential competitiveness decline from delayed digitalization
Agricultural and livestock production instability from climate change
Increased costs for handling customer complaints and harassment

Innovations

2024: Shkmeruli Pot Set Meal Wins Grand Prix

Overview: Limited-time menu adapting Georgian cuisine in Matsuya style receives high acclaim.
Impact: Contributes to sales growth and brand awareness.

2024: Pasta Format 'Mugino Toriko' Opens

Overview: Launches fresh pasta specialty store to pursue diversification.
Impact: Achieves new customer segment development and higher unit prices.

2023: Acceleration of Triple-Format Complex Stores

Overview: Expands Matsuya, Matsunoya, and My Curry Shokudo complex stores nationwide.
Impact: Improves customer acquisition efficiency and reduces operating costs.

2021: Matsubento Net Adds Credit Card Support

Overview: Enhances digital ordering and payments for greater convenience.
Impact: Supports expansion of takeaway business.

2022: New Curry Menu Development and Sales Strategy Refresh

Overview: Releases Original Chicken Curry and Matsuya Beef Curry to meet market demands.
Impact: Enhances menu variety and customer satisfaction.

2020: Strengthened QR Code Payment Introduction

Overview: Introduces diverse payment methods including PayPay and LINE Pay in stores.
Impact: Increases customer usage through improved payment convenience.

2023: Official Brand Movie 'Tomorrow, Devour' Released

Overview: Aims to elevate brand value with a new-style animation MV.
Impact: Boosts brand recognition and favorability among younger demographics.

2024: Stone-Grilled Korean Cuisine Specialty 'Tukkun²' Opens

Overview: Promotes diversification and community-focused services.
Impact: Successfully strengthens customer acquisition in new fields.

2024: Steak Specialty Format 'Steak Set Meal Matsu Beef' Launches

Overview: High-value stores specializing in Western-style menus.
Impact: Contributes to higher guest spend and new customer acquisition.

2025: Spicy Sichuan 'Boiled Beef in Chili' Sales

Overview: Introduces intensely spicy beef chili stew menu.
Impact: Succeeds in buzz generation and attracting new customers.

Sustainability

Menu design and inventory management to reduce food loss
Expansion of renewable energy adoption in stores
Plastic reduction efforts to lower environmental impact
Promotion of local production for local consumption through community partnerships
Creating employee-friendly work environments
Establishment and application of sustainable procurement standards
Promotion of disability employment and diversity
Introduction of water recycling systems
Thorough food hygiene and safety management
Institutionalization of customer harassment countermeasures
Promotion of eco-friendly packaging materials
Strengthened partnerships with sustainable agriculture and livestock industries