Onigilly Japanese Kitchen

As more entrepreneurs look for restaurant franchise opportunities with healthy margins and sustainable startup costs,&nbsp;<a href="https://onigilly.com/franchise-2?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=onigilly-franchise-cost-to-open-2729041" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Onigilly Japanese Kitchen</a> stands out as an accessible, modern concept rooted in tradition. The brand's success in the San Francisco Bay Area, paired with its innovative approach to Japanese quick-service dining, has laid the groundwork for national expansion — and it's doing so with a lower barrier to entry compared to so many full-service or fast-casual restaurants.&nbsp;"Compared to other restaurant concepts, we don’t need a lot of space, and we don’t need vent hoods or grease traps, said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/koji-kanematsu-6223546/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=onigilly-franchise-cost-to-open-2729041" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Koji Kanematsu</a>, founder and CEO of <a href="https://1851franchise.com/onigilly">Onigilly</a>. “That means our locations are cheaper to build out, faster to open, and easier to operate.”<h2>A Streamlined Concept Designed To Minimize Overhead</h2>Onigilly locations typically range from just 300 to 500 square feet. That compact footprint significantly reduces real estate and buildout costs. Unlike traditional restaurants that require expensive kitchen infrastructure, Onigilly's operations are supported by semi-automated equipment, including rice-forming robotics, miso soup machines and state-of-the-art rice cookers. The brand's kitchens don’t require hoods or open flames, which allows franchisees to consider a wider range of sites — including food halls, kiosks, airports and inline retail — without the added expense of costly installations.Onigilly streamlines operations by partnering with specialized co-packers who prepare its ingredients in large batches. Immediately after cooking, these ingredients are rapidly frozen using advanced freezing technology. This method ensures that food retains its freshly-cooked taste and quality, while significantly extending its shelf life.Once frozen, the ingredients are packed and stored by trusted distribution partners, who deliver directly to franchise locations every week. As a result, franchisees receive consistent, high-quality ingredients without complex cooking processes.For example, the chicken is fully cooked by co-packers in facilities that are HACCP- and USDA-certified, ensuring strict safety standards. Franchise locations do not handle any raw meats and only need to cook rice on-site, making operations simple, safe and efficient."Most of the prep work is done off-site," said Kanematsu. "That lets our franchisees focus on service, operations and building their team without needing a full kitchen staff."Peak operations can be run with just four to five employees, and slower times can be operated by one or two people, keeping labor costs in check and allowing for higher operational efficiency.<h2>Investment Overview</h2>The total initial investment to open an Onigilly franchise is estimated to range from $265,132 to $606,976. The 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) breaks these costs down as follows:<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Type of Expenditure</td><td>Min</td><td>Max</td></tr><tr><td>Initial Franchise Fee</td><td>$35,000</td><td>$35,000</td></tr><tr><td>Construction &amp; Leasehold Improvements</td><td>$57,000</td><td>$267,000</td></tr><tr><td>Lease Deposits &amp; Rent (3 Months)</td><td>$12,000</td><td>$30,000</td></tr><tr><td>Furniture, Fixtures, &amp; Equipment</td><td>$97,132&nbsp;</td><td>$123,476</td></tr><tr><td>Signage</td><td>$5,000</td><td>$15,000</td></tr><tr><td>Computer, Software, &amp; POS</td><td>$6,000</td><td>$9,000</td></tr><tr><td>Grand Opening Marketing</td><td>$7,500</td><td>$7,500</td></tr><tr><td>Initial Inventory</td><td>$7,000</td><td>$12,000</td></tr><tr><td>Utility Deposits</td><td>$1,000</td><td>$3,000</td></tr><tr><td>Insurance Deposits (3 Months)</td><td>$2,000</td><td>$5,000</td></tr><tr><td>Travel for Initial Training</td><td>$5,500</td><td>$11,000</td></tr><tr><td>Professional Fees</td><td>$12,000</td><td>$28,000</td></tr><tr><td>General Licenses &amp; Permits</td><td>$3,000</td><td>$11,000</td></tr><tr><td>Additional Funds (3 Months)</td><td>$15,000</td><td>$50,000</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>The initial franchise fee is $35,000, with ongoing royalties and marketing fees totaling 6% and 1% of gross sales per month, respectively. These fees help support national branding efforts, innovation, operational training and access to the brand’s preferred vendors and support network.<h2>Built for Multi-Unit Operators and First-Time Owners</h2>Onigilly’s simplified operations, small footprint and low overhead make it an ideal concept for both first-time business owners and experienced restaurant operators. For multi-unit owners, it provides an opportunity to diversify into a trending category — authentic Asian cuisine — without the high staffing and buildout requirements of many full-service concepts. For owner-operators, Onigilly offers a more manageable path to profitability, with the support of a proven system behind them.Onigilly's path to franchising has been deliberate and meticulous. Guided by the Japanese proverb&nbsp; “石橋を叩いて渡る (Ishibashi wo tataite wataru)”, which means 'Tap the stone bridge before crossing,' the company spent 15 years refining its model before offering franchises.&nbsp;The initial five years focused on recipe development, testing over 60 flavors for both sales and scalability. Another five years were dedicated to sourcing and testing specialized machinery, followed by five more years to secure U.S. certifications.&nbsp;This cautious approach ensured a proven concept, optimal locations and a profitable, repeatable model. As Onigilly pioneers an emerging food category, this rigorous process was essential to guarantee consistent quality and brand representation. Over time, lessons were learned, and the company is now confident in its systems and ready for nationwide expansion through franchising.For more information about Onigilly franchise opportunities, visit&nbsp; <a href="https://onigilly.com/franchise-2.?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=onigilly-franchise-cost-to-open-2729041" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://onigilly.com/franchise-2.</a>&nbsp;

How Much Does It Cost to Open an Onigilly Franchise?

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With a compact footprint, semi-automated kitchens, and a grab-and-go menu that doesn't require a full kitchen buildout, Onigilly offers franchisees a low-overhead, scalable opportunity. 

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10 Reasons To Buy an Onigilly Franchise in 2026

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SAN FRANCISCO —&nbsp;<a href="https://onigillyfranchise.com/">Onigilly Japanese Kitchen</a>, the fast-casual concept centered on traditional onigiri rice balls, is closing 2025 with record sales, double-digit traffic growth and a fast-growing franchise pipeline, marking its evolution from a founder-led concept into a scalable modern brand poised for wider expansion in 2026.Founder and CEO&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kojikanematsu/">Koji Kanematsu</a> says 2025 was the brand’s strongest year to date, driven by demand for convenient, healthier global flavors and a more structured approach to growth.“This year, we anticipate around $2 million in revenue across our corporate locations,” Kanematsu said. “We’re seeing rising interest in onigiri, and our concept is attracting more customers across all our units.”Across&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/onigilly/info">Onigilly’s</a> core locations, guest traffic surged in 2025. The San Francisco restaurant saw a 28 percent increase in traffic, while the San Jose location grew 18 percent. A new restaurant in San Francisco’s Stonestown Galleria is already approaching $1.8 million in annualized sales.“For sure, we can say double-digit growth,” Kanematsu said.On the culinary front, Onigilly continued to lean into simple, focused innovation. The team introduced a limited-time spicy pumpkin onigiri around Halloween and Thanksgiving, which quickly became a guest favorite.“We keep our menu simple, but because of the success, we are planning to do more,” Kanematsu said.The brand also launched a loyalty program called SAMURAI CLUB and stepped up marketing efforts in 2025, further strengthening its foundation for franchising.This year marked a turning point in Onigilly’s evolution from a small, founder-driven operation into a franchise-ready system. The company filed its Franchise Disclosure Document and received approval to franchise in California in September.Since then, Onigilly has opened its first franchise location and built a robust pipeline of new restaurants.“We have one franchisee currently operating, and another five who have either secured leases or are very close to doing so,” Kanematsu said.Unlike many emerging brands, Onigilly’s corporate team takes an active role in guiding franchisees through the real estate process.“As the franchisor, we assist in identifying and negotiating locations, then offer those options to our franchisees,” Kanematsu said. “This support reduces the heavy lifting for them, helping them get started quickly and accelerate growth.”In addition to the six committed franchisees, Onigilly is in discussions with several more prospective partners and has identified multiple promising new sites.“Right now, we’re confident about opening 15 to 20 franchise locations next year, with the potential for even more,” Kanematsu said.Kanematsu says the first year of franchising underscored the differences between a franchise business and operating corporate locations, as well as the importance of building systems around owner success.“Managing a corporate location is more straightforward because we hire and guide the general manager, and we have a clear line of sight into operations and success,” he said. “Franchise ownership is a different structure, which requires a different approach. Even with manuals and training, there’s a unique process in how you motivate and support franchisees effectively.”Those lessons are shaping Onigilly’s priorities for 2026. The company is investing in its headquarters support team and establishing systems to ensure deliberate growth with the right partners.“Our focus now is on our franchisees’ success,” Kanematsu said. “Our team is strong, but we’re investing in additional support, so franchisees have the resources they need to thrive. Support is our top priority.”While many of Onigilly’s franchisees are already interested in multi-unit development, the brand is taking a disciplined, one-restaurant-at-a-time approach to expansion.“Our priority is making sure franchisees are happy, well-supported, and fully understand the gap between their expectations and reality,” he said. “Once that foundation is in place, they can consider additional locations. We want to ensure they are both capable and motivated—that’s our approach.”Beyond the numbers, Kanematsu remains focused on Onigilly’s founding mission: introducing authentic, healthier Japanese fast casual to a wider American audience and establishing onigiri as a mainstream option.“That has been my primary motivation,” he said. “We’re not pursuing growth or profitability at the expense of quality. Onigiri remains a niche category in the U.S., and as a category leader, we recognize that we are often the first point of exposure for many guests. Their initial experience must be exceptional, because that experience helps define the category as a whole.”Kanematsu views Onigilly not only as a growth business but as a steward of the onigiri category. “We may be a single company, but we see ourselves as leaders of the category,” he said. “Our goal is to bring onigiri into the mainstream as a better, healthier and more convenient fast-food option. At its core, Onigilly is about rethinking what fast food can be.”That mindset is reflected in how the brand approaches franchise recruitment. Kanematsu says Onigilly is not looking for anyone who simply wants to buy territory; it is looking for partners who believe in the concept and will champion it in their local markets.“We’re confident in our strength, but we’re selective about who we partner with,” he said. “We’re not looking for someone who simply has capital or wants to claim territory. We want partners who share our culture, values, and mission because those are the people who will represent the brand and lead the category in their communities.”With record sales, double-digit traffic growth, its first franchise locations coming online and a carefully built pipeline for 2026, Onigilly is stepping into the new year as an emerging player in healthy global fast casual, backed by both strong performance and a clear, values-driven growth plan.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/onigilly">https://1851franchise.com/onigilly</a>.About Onigilly Japanese KitchenOnigilly Japanese Kitchen is a fast-casual franchise bringing Japan’s favorite grab-and-go food, onigiri rice balls, to the U.S. Founded by Koji Kanematsu in 2008, Onigilly has grown from a food cart in San Francisco to a scalable franchise concept designed for efficient operations, healthy menus, and compact footprints. With a focus on fresh, nutrient-rich ingredients and streamlined systems that keep costs low, Onigilly offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to join a brand that blends innovation, culture, and consumer demand for healthier dining. To learn more about franchise opportunities, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://onigilly.com">onigilly.com</a>.

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How Much Does It Cost to Open an Onigilly Franchise?

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