Kyuramen Group acquires matcha gelato concept to grow across U.S.

The parent of the growing Kyuramen chain is diversifying with the acquisition of a matcha gelato cafe.

New York-based Kyuramen Group on Wednesday announced it has acquired Aokō Matcha, a specialty café chain. The goal is to grow Aokō across the U.S., as both a standalone concept but also within Kyuramen restaurants.

It’s part of a larger strategy by the more than 50-unit ramen chain to build a multi-concept platform beyond the core ramen business. The mission: introducing Japanese culinary culture to U.S. audiences in approachable formats, the company said.

Gary Lin, founder of Kyuramen Group, said in a statement, “Aokō Matcha is a natural extension of our platform as we continue to grow beyond ramen and deepen our commitment to Japanese culture and craftsmanship. The brand has already built a strong foundation, and we see a significant opportunity to scale the concept nationwide while preserving the quality and experience that make it special.”

Aokō first launched in Manhattan in 2025 and has built a following for its multi-grade matcha tasting experience. Using gelato, guests can choose the intensity of the matcha by grade.

The core lineup includes grades #1 through #5, which tend to be milder and sweeter, with a grade #8 positioned as one of the richest matcha gelatos available in the U.S., the company said.

The menu also includes specialty lattes, Japanese tea and other matcha-infused desserts.

Kyuramen said both brands are rooted in showcasing Japanese craftsmanship, or the “Takumi” spirit.

The ramen chain operator plans to open 30 Aokō Matcha locations over the next year, with the first already soft-opened in Bayside, Queens and Cherry Hill, New Jersey, this month. Additional locations are coming to Wall Street; Toms River, New Jersey; and Burlington in Boston.

The Kyuramen Group portfolio also includes the tea-based beverage brand TBaar.

And later this year, Kyuramen is planning to launch two new concepts: Super Kyuramen, a ramen-and-izakaya restaurant concept, as well as Kyuramen Express, a fast-casual format.