Japan-based Marugame Udon has named Gregg Imamoto, the former CEO of Pieology, as CEO of U.S. operations, according to a company press release.

His main goal will be expanding Marugame's U.S. presence while developing a franchise business model. Marugame Udon is the flagship concept for publicly traded Toridoll, a restaurant conglomerate with over $1.4 billion in sales across more than 1,000 restaurants worldwide. In partnership with Toridoll, US-based private equity firm Hargett Hunter will continue to lead the U.S. growth. It now operates restaurants in Hawaii, California and Texas.

"Our partnership with Hargett Hunter enables Toridoll to share authentic Japanese food and culture in the U.S., which is our most important market for growth," Toridoll founder and President Takaya Awata said in the release. "We are confident Mr. Imamoto is the right leader at the right time to propel our expansion, and I have high expectations for his success."

Tokyo-based Marugame Udon, with more than 1,000 locations in 10 countries and regions, specializes in handmade Japanese Sanuki udon noodles and fresh tempura. Marugame Udon first came to the U.S. in Hawaii more than 10 years ago with its flagship store in Waikiki and expanded into California in 2017. It opened its first Texas location in 2020.

"I've been a fan of Marugame Udon since the first time I tried it in Waikiki," Imamoto said "I ate there every day of every week I was in town when we discovered it, so the offer to lead the company and grow the brand's U.S. presence was especially attractive because of my personal enjoyment of the brand. I look forward to working with the team in introducing Marugame's incredible food to more consumers across the country."

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