Franchising
Marugame Udon hitting up Texas
August 6, 2020
Marugame Udon, based in Tokyo, is bringing its handmade Japanese Sanuki udon noodles, tempura, robata grill and katsu sandos to the Dallas area when it opens Aug. 31 in Carrollton. The location, 3450 E. Hebron Pkwy., is debuting the concept's newest prototype featuring a double-sided line for carry-out orders. Delivery via third-party companies as well as online ordering are also available, according to a company press release.
Mark H. Brezinski, known for his co-founding work at Pei Wei Asian Diner, Velvet Taco, Banh Shop and other DFW area restaurants, is behind the Texas opening along with Pete Botonis and the private equity firm of Hargett Hunter, based in Raleigh and Dallas.
"Pete and I have a great history together and we couldn't be more excited to be bringing our version of this wildly successful concept to the DFW area," Brezinski said in the release. "Japanese foods are, in my opinion, the most versatile of all Asian foods and we promise to make it a tough decision for Marugame guests to choose between the great bowls, sandos, skewers and freshly made tempura. In fact, we think guests will find many new favorites to enjoy on multiple visits at lunch and dinner."
A second Dallas-area location is set to open in Old Town on Greenville Avenue in the fall and several others are planned for Houston and Dallas in 2021-22.
The kitchen is the centerpiece of Marugame Udon with noodle masters making fresh noodles behind the glass, while chefs cook fresh tempura, katsu sandos and char-grilled proteins just feet away from the line and in full view of the guests. Char-grilled robata items include chicken meatballs (also offered in an udon bowl), grilled steak with shiso salsa verde, Japanese BBQ pork belly and a vegetable skewer with maitake mushroom, shishito peppers and kumato tomatoes.
The Carrollton restaurant features four new katsu sandos with a Kobe beef cheeseburger, house-made slaw and the traditionally prepared bulldog sauce, along with a Spam and cheese katsu with pickles, a chicken katsu and the egg salad sando — each served on lightly toasted Japanese milk bread. Also new to Marugame Udon is U.S.-made Momo Kawa organic Junmai Gingo sake and Japanese beer available on draft.
Marugame first came to the U.S. in Hawaii more than 10 years ago with its flagship store in Waikiki, then expanded to California with eight more restaurants in the past few years.
Founded in Kakogawa City, Japan, in 2000, Marugame Udon ihas more than 1,000 locations in 13 countries.
