Hachiban

Basic Information

Stock Code
9950
Industry
Retail
Category Detail
Restaurants
Prefecture
Ishikawa Prefecture
Establishment Year
January 1971
Listing Year
July 1993
Official Website
https://www.hachiban.co.jp/
TSE Information
TSE Information
Yahoo! Finance
Yahoo! Finance
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Overview

Hachiban is a restaurant operator founded in 1971 originating from the Hokuriku region, serving as a regional leading company that expands stores centered on ramen chains primarily in the Hokuriku and Tokai areas both domestically and internationally.

Current Situation

Hachiban recorded consolidated sales of approximately 7.6 billion yen and net assets of approximately 3.3 billion yen for the fiscal year ended March 2024, maintaining its store count while advancing expansion into Asian markets. Its flagship ramen chain "8ban Ramen" boasts strong brand power in Hokuriku and Tokai, with active overseas expansion (Thailand, Vietnam, etc.). In recent years, it has worked to improve customer convenience through the introduction of electronic money payments and new business formats. On the management front, after dissolving its partnership with Ringer Hut, it has focused on independent operations, maintaining sound finances. It is strengthening new business development and community-oriented stores to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. In terms of sustainability, it is proactive in local production for local consumption and utilizing local ingredients. Going forward, it positions expansion into Kansai and entry into the Cambodian market as key strategies for overseas growth markets. Amid intensifying market competition, it is focusing on "creating flavors loved by the region" and "sustainable expansion of overseas operations."

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • Company name derives from National Route 8
  • Pioneer ramen chain beloved in the Hokuriku region
  • Overseas expansion started primarily from Thailand and is actively progressing
  • Experienced past capital partnership with Ringer Hut
  • New Japanese food store formats are also successful
  • Early implementation of electronic money payments across all stores
  • Challenging sweets sales via food truck business
  • 166 employees maintaining a community-oriented structure
  • Capital of approximately 1.5 billion yen as a mid-sized company
  • Management strategy responding to headwinds in the restaurant industry during COVID-19
  • Deploying stores in Vietnam, Taiwan, and other Asian countries
  • Collaborative menu development with local sake breweries
  • Strong presence in local supermarkets via OEM noodle supply
  • Also operates food wholesaling business for restaurants
  • 8ban Ramen emphasizes healthy orientation with abundant vegetables

Hidden Connections

  • Hokuriku Bank is a major shareholder with strong regional finance ties
  • Past capital partnership with Ringer Hut drew attention
  • Kirin Brewery is a major shareholder with deep transaction relations
  • Relationship with Nisshin Seifun Group in raw material supply
  • As an Ishikawa Prefecture local company, closely connected to regional society
  • Experience withdrawing from Taiwan business influences strategy
  • Vietnam entry is a key milestone for overseas multi-store expansion
  • Related to regional transportation networks through road station and parking area store operations

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Aggressive development of Southeast Asian markets
  • Customer base diversification via new store formats
  • Digital payments and customer convenience improvements
  • Enrichment of health-oriented menus
  • Brand deepening through strengthened local collaboration
  • Expansion of food manufacturing OEM
  • Recovery of restaurant market from COVID-19
  • Expansion of online sales channels
  • Pursuit of sustainable restaurant operations
  • Revenue uplift through diverse channel development
  • Overseas store brand strengthening and stabilization
  • Advanced food safety and hygiene management

Strategic Goals

  • Achieve 10 stores in new Southeast Asian markets including Cambodia
  • Deploy 20 new format Japanese food stores domestically
  • Achieve digital payment ratio of 80% or higher
  • Sustainable ingredient procurement and 10% food loss reduction
  • Strengthen regional economy and agriculture support projects
  • Double sales scale via enhanced brand recognition
  • Achieve revenue diversification through multi-format expansion

Business Segments

Restaurant operation support

Overview
Provides store operations and management support services through the FC business.
Competitiveness
Community-rooted and extensive store operation know-how
Customers
  • Ramen store franchises
  • Japanese food stores
  • Chinese cuisine stores
Products
  • Franchise store operation support
  • Restaurant management consulting
  • Food ingredient supply

Food manufacturing and sales

Overview
Manufactures, processes, and supplies food raw materials to support the B2B market.
Competitiveness
Quality management and diverse OEM capabilities
Customers
  • Retail supermarkets
  • Cooperatives
  • Convenience stores
  • Restaurant chains
Products
  • Original noodle products
  • Seasonings
  • Frozen foods

Overseas business expansion support

Overview
Supports store expansion in Asian countries and pioneers growth markets.
Competitiveness
Proven Hokuriku-origin brand overseas expansion capabilities
Customers
  • Overseas store operators
  • Local franchise joiners
Products
  • Store operation know-how provision
  • Ingredient import/export
  • Local marketing

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • Brand strength rooted in the region
  • Stable store network centered on Hokuriku and Tokai
  • Active expansion into Asian overseas markets
  • Diversified restaurant and food businesses
  • Abundant store operation know-how

Competitive Advantages

  • Strong brand symbolizing National Route 8 with regional collaboration
  • Continuous know-how accumulation in restaurant FC business
  • Community-rooted expansion strategy in Asian markets
  • Strengths in local production for local consumption and local ingredient utilization
  • Responds to diverse customer needs with abundant business formats

Threats

  • Declining demand due to population decrease in the domestic market
  • Intense competitive environment in the restaurant industry
  • Store revenue destabilization due to COVID-19 impact
  • Local risks and regulatory fluctuations accompanying overseas expansion
  • Raw material price fluctuation risks

Innovations

2023: Introduction of electronic money payments to all stores

Overview
Introduced credit cards and electronic money payments to all 8ban Ramen stores.
Impact
Contributes to improved customer convenience and increased sales.

2022: Launch of sweets mobile sales business

Overview
Started mobile sales of sweets and beverages via food trucks.
Impact
Realized new revenue sources and enhanced brand recognition.

2021: Opening of new Japanese food store formats

Overview
Began deploying new format stores centered on Japanese cuisine in suburban areas.
Impact
Contributes to customer base expansion and store revenue diversification.

2020: Business format reorganization amid COVID-19

Overview
Closed unprofitable stores amid infection expansion to advance management efficiency.
Impact
Succeeded in loss reduction and improving the revenue base.

2024: Preparation for new Asian market entry

Overview
Focusing on expansion in Southeast Asia, such as Cambodia business entry.
Impact
Expands growth opportunities and strengthens multinational business foundation.

Sustainability

  • Promotion of local production for local consumption in ingredient procurement
  • Advancement of food loss reduction initiatives
  • Environmentally considerate store design
  • Regional economic support and job creation
  • Strengthening of hygiene management and safety standards