ZUBU Ramen
Supported store openings and operations, then the launch of a franchise program, franchise expansion and the operating structure behind it.
Canada Expansion
Expanding into Canada? We can help with that too.
You want to open a restaurant in Canada, or bring a Japanese product or brand here — but you don’t know who to talk to on the ground. 株式会社梅澤物産 (Umezawa Bussan, Japanese company) handles sourcing and manufacturer negotiations in Japan, and draws on its business network in Canada to support import, distribution, store openings and day-to-day operations, tailored to each project.
Japan and Canada
Support on both sides of the Pacific.
Having a product ready in Japan doesn’t start a business in Canada. Import and export, local distribution, adapting products and menus, building out a store, sourcing, operations — running a business here takes real groundwork.
We connect sourcing and manufacturer negotiations in Japan with our network in Canada, and put together the support each project actually needs.
Our network in Canada
Not just how to ship it — how to sell it, and make it a business.
Exporting a product is only the first step. We work through how that product or brand will sell in Canada, and how it can stand on its own as a business here.
- Restaurant operations
- Store openings
- Franchising
- Retail
- Sourcing
- Logistics
- Product development
- Menu development
- Localization
- Foodservice production and supply
- Canadian business network
Chopstick Lab Inc. (Canadian company)
About Chopstick Lab Inc.
Chopstick Lab Inc. is a Vancouver-based Canadian company, founded in 2013.
Drawing on its experience and network in Canada, it provides hands-on support for running a business here: restaurant openings, store operations, franchising, product and menu development, sourcing, import and localization.
株式会社梅澤物産 (Umezawa Bussan) is the point of contact for sourcing and manufacturers in Japan, and works with Chopstick Lab Inc. and other businesses in its Canadian network to support projects that span both countries.
- Address
- 6775 Rupert St, Vancouver, BC V5S 2Z4
- Founded
- 2013
Track record
Business support delivered in Canada.
nana’s green tea Canada
Supported a Japanese brand’s expansion into Canada: store openings, localization and setting up local store operations.
Foodkort Dining Ltd.
Supported this foodservice production and supply facility with making the products restaurants use and setting up supply to stores.
That experience — launching businesses, running stores, expanding franchises, developing products and setting up supply — is what we bring to each project: how a Japanese product or brand can roll out in Canada, and how it can run as a business.
What we can do
What we can do on the Canadian side.
Import
We work out the right way to bring your product into Canada, case by case, and coordinate with local logistics and import partners where needed.
Localization
Rather than bringing a product, brand or menu over as-is, we adjust it for Canada — the market, price point, how it’s served and who it’s for.
Store openings
Once a site is secured, we help with the build-out, equipment, sourcing, menu, operations and training — what it takes to actually open the doors.
Franchising
We help build the structure for taking a brand to multiple locations: launching a franchise program, opening stores and setting up operations.
Menu and product development
Starting from your Japanese products or ideas, we help develop and test products and menus for the Canadian market.
Supply setup
For some projects, we work with local foodservice manufacturers and suppliers to set up production and supply to your stores.
Operations
Opening a store is one thing; keeping it running is another. We can help with store operations, sourcing, staffing and daily routines as the project needs.
Depending on the project, Chopstick Lab Inc. can act as the importer of record.
Where to start
You can start with a question like these.
You don’t need a finished plan. Start by telling us about the product or business you have in mind.
“Can we sell our Japanese products in Canada?”
“We want to open a restaurant in Canada but don’t know where to start.”
“We want to bring our Japanese brand to Canada.”
“We’re considering franchising in Canada.”
“We’d like to carry a Japanese manufacturer’s products in Canada.”
“Help us think through a product or menu for Canada.”
“We need someone local who can help with import, logistics and store operations.”
Let’s start with a conversation.
We’re happy to begin by working out what’s possible in Canada. From exporting a product to opening stores or franchising, tell us about your project.