Ramen eatery opens first Southwestern Ontario location in London

A Japanese ramen chain is opening its first Southwestern Ontario location in London.

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Kinton Ramen, a restaurant founded in Toronto in 2012, on Thursday hosted a soft opening for its 40th location, at 530 Oxford Rd. W., just east of Wonderland Road.

“We are excited to bring the Kinton Ramen experience to London,” the company’s Karalyn White said in a statement.

“Our team has worked diligently to create a space that not only serves exceptional ramen, but also embodies the warmth and energy of Japanese dining. We look forward to welcoming the London community.”

The restaurant has expanded across Canada since its flagship location opened in downtown Toronto more than a decade ago. London is one of five new locations opening this year, growth the company attributes to increased demand for an authentic ramen experience.

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The eatery serves traditional ramen bowls – wheat noodles served in broth and flavored with soy and miso sauce – topped with everything from pork and beef to chicken and vegetables. The licensed eatery will offer a variety of beers and sake, Japanese rice wine.

A grand opening for the London location will be held June 22, when dine-in customers will get 50 per cent off all dishes.

Kinton is the latest example of in-demand eateries setting up shop in London. In November, Chick-fil-A, the popular fried chicken joint founded in Atlanta in 1967, opened its 13th Canadian location in London at 3459 Wonderland Rd., drawing a massive crowd at its grand opening.

And there’s speculation London could land a Shake Shack location. The New York-based burger restaurant opened its first Canadian location at Yonge-Dundas Square in Toronto on Thursday. Known for using fresh ingredients sourced locally, crinkle fries and frozen custard treats, Shake Shack came to Canada with a pop-up shop in 2017. The company plans to open 35 locations across the country by 2025.

Shake Shack officials didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday about their Canadian expansion plans.

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