Buchiton Tonkotsu Ramen, a ramen restaurant chain from Hiroshima, Japan, has unveiled plans for a significant expansion in the Philippines, aiming to establish 23 outlets by 2026.

This growth strategy is a collaboration between DMG Holdings, its master franchisee in the Philippines, and Withlink, the Japanese operator of Buchiton.

DMG Holdings and Withlink have committed to investing at least 200m pesos ($3.46m) by 2026.

The investment is expected to create jobs and offer franchise opportunities to young entrepreneurs in the Philippines.

DMG Holdings chief operating officer Matthew Ablis said: "Buchiton targets to open three outlets this year, ten by 2025 and ten by 2026."

DMG Holdings, a prominent food group in the Philippines, currently operates 29 restaurant outlets across brands including Mesa Restaurant, Hayashi Restaurant, Old Town Malaysian Cuisine, Vari Uma Japanese Cuisine and the newly opened Buchiton Japanese Ramen store.

The first Philippine outlet of Buchiton was recently inaugurated at SM San Lazaro, offering Tonkotsu ramen alongside Japanese favourites such as gyoza and karaage, imported directly from Japan.

“Aside from Buchiton’s first Philippine outlet at SM San Lazaro, we will also open two more stores this year at SM Cebu-Consolacion and SM East Ortigas Mall,” Ablis added.

The investment for opening a Buchiton store in the Philippines ranges between 7m pesos and 9m pesos according to DMG Holdings, led by CEO Nelson del Mundo.

Withlink, the Japanese operator of Buchiton Ramen House, is a subsidiary of Yoshinoya Holdings.

Del Mundo expressed his anticipation of Buchiton's success in the local market.

“Buchiton was created with a deep respect for traditional recipes and a passion for delivering exceptional taste. We are excited to bring the rich flavours of authentic Japanese ramen to Filipino food enthusiasts,” he commented.

He noted the increasing popularity of ramen among Filipinos and Buchiton's commitment to meeting this demand.