Does Afuri Ramen Dumpling have any predecessors that require disclosure in the FDD?

According to Afuri Ramen Dumpling's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, the company states that it has no predecessors that require disclosure. However, the document does list several affiliated companies, including AFURI USA INC, AFURI BUCKMAN LLC, NAKAMURA FOODS, INC., AFURI PDX LLC, AFURI OLDTOWN LLC, AFURI SLABTOWN LLC, and AFURI, INC. ("AFURI-JPN").

Of these affiliates, AFURI BUCKMAN LLC has operated a restaurant in Portland, Oregon, similar to the franchise offered since 2016, but with a larger restaurant and expanded menu. AFURI-JPN originated the concept that serves as the basis of the current Afuri bar concept in 1995 and operated restaurants in Japan under the name Zundo-Bar from 1995 through 2003. Since 2003, AFURI-JPN has operated primarily under the name "Afuri." As of the issuance date of the FDD, AFURI-JPN operates company-owned Afuri outlets in Tokyo, Kanagawa and Hokkaido, Japan, and a single Zundo-Bar in Japan.

While Afuri Ramen Dumpling states it has no predecessors requiring disclosure, prospective franchisees may want to further investigate the operational history and financial performance of AFURI BUCKMAN LLC and AFURI-JPN to gain a better understanding of the brand's origins and experience in the restaurant industry. Understanding the history and success of these related entities could provide valuable insights into the Afuri Ramen Dumpling franchise system.