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Japan Foods’ halal outlets dish out success

CEO Kenichi Takahashi wants to double the new Muslim-friendly segment’s revenue share to 40%

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Annabeth Leow

Annabeth Leow

Published Mon, Jul 25, 2022 · 05:50 AM
    • Japan Foods broke into the halal market with its Tokyo Shokudo ramen brand, which opened in Tampines Mall in November 2020. “How to make a good taste, same as non-halal brands, is our most challenging point,” said chief executive and chairman Kenichi Takahashi.
    • Japan Foods broke into the halal market with its Tokyo Shokudo ramen brand, which opened in Tampines Mall in November 2020. “How to make a good taste, same as non-halal brands, is our most challenging point,” said chief executive and chairman Kenichi Takahashi. PHOTO: JASON QUAH, ST

    DeeperDive is a beta AI feature. Refer to full articles for the facts.

    DESPITE domestic and international restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic, Singapore restaurant operator Japan Foods Holding turned a profit and stayed debt-free – and even expanded its store count — with the help of a lucrative foray into the halal dining segment.

    Does the management’s approach sound like a traditional way to run a business?

    “Yeah, I don’t think so. Not traditional,” said its colourful chief executive and chairman, Kenichi Takahashi, who founded Japan Foods in 1997 to open an Ajisen Ramen franchise in Singapore.

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