In a landscape where attracting and retaining top talent is becoming increasingly challenging, Japan’s restaurant sector is seeing some exciting shifts. Today, on September 17, 2025, Toridoll Holdings, the company behind the popular udon chain Marugame Seimen (known internationally as Marugame Udon), made headlines with a groundbreaking announcement. They’re ramping up store manager salaries to a maximum of 20 million yen (approximately $136,000 USD based on current exchange rates) to secure skilled employees. This isn’t just about paychecks—it’s part of a broader strategy to foster loyalty and address labor shortages in one of the world’s most competitive food markets.
For those unfamiliar, Marugame Udon has built a global reputation for its fresh, handmade udon noodles served in a lively, open-kitchen setting. Starting as a humble chain in Japan, it has expanded to over 1,000 locations worldwide, from bustling Tokyo streets to urban hubs in the U.S., Australia, and Europe. Toridoll’s focus on authentic Japanese cuisine with a fast-casual twist has made it a favorite among noodle lovers everywhere. But behind the steaming bowls lies a company grappling with the realities of a shrinking workforce in Japan, where an aging population and low birth rates have led to fierce competition for workers.
The New Performance-Based Salary Structure
The heart of this announcement is a revamped compensation system for store managers, divided into four performance grades. These tiers will evaluate factors like customer satisfaction scores, store sales performance, and operational efficiency. The top grade, aiming for just 10 elite managers within three years, offers that eye-popping 20 million yen annual salary. Overall, Toridoll plans to bring 300 managers under this new framework by 2028, rewarding those who drive exceptional results.
This move comes at a time when Japan’s average annual salary hovers around 6.2 million yen (about $42,000 USD), according to recent surveys. In the restaurant industry specifically, wages have traditionally lagged behind other sectors, with food service managers earning roughly 5.8 million yen on average. By nearly quadrupling the potential earnings for high performers, Marugame Udon is positioning itself as a leader in employee investment. It’s a smart play in a country where real wages have been declining for months, even as nominal pay rises. Experts suggest this could spark a ripple effect, encouraging other chains to follow suit and ultimately improving standards across the board.
Introducing the Family Cafeteria System: More Than Just Free Meals
But Toridoll isn’t stopping at salaries. They’re also rolling out the “Family Cafeteria System,” a perk that allows children under 15 of group employees to eat for free at any nationwide store affiliated with their parent’s brand. Imagine a busy parent wrapping up a shift and picking up a hearty udon meal for the kids without dipping into the family budget. This initiative isn’t just generous—it’s practical. By freeing up time that might otherwise be spent on meal prep, it helps employees balance work and family life, a cultural priority in Japan where long hours have long been the norm.
In a nation emphasizing harmony between professional and personal spheres, such benefits resonate deeply. Toridoll’s approach aligns with broader sustainability efforts, like creating rewarding work environments that promote growth and motivation. It’s also a nod to global trends, where family-friendly policies boost retention rates and job satisfaction. For international audiences, this highlights how Japanese companies are adapting traditional values to modern needs, making roles more appealing to expats or those considering a move to Japan.
Broader Industry Trends and Comparisons
This isn’t happening in isolation. The Japanese restaurant scene is buzzing with similar upgrades. For instance, Skylark Holdings, operators of the family restaurant chain Gusto, recently boosted their store manager salaries to over 10 million yen (around $68,000 USD). These changes reflect a nationwide push for wage hikes, with 2025 marking the highest average increase in 34 years at about 5% across industries. Unions and companies alike are prioritizing smaller firms, where pay gaps have been widest.
Why the urgency? Japan’s labor market is tight, with unemployment low but worker shortages high in service sectors. Restaurants, hit hard by post-pandemic recovery and inflation, are innovating to stay afloat. Marugame Udon’s strategy could inspire international chains too, especially as Toridoll eyes aggressive global expansion—aiming to double revenue and add thousands of overseas outlets in the coming years. For food enthusiasts abroad, this means more authentic udon spots popping up, backed by a motivated workforce.
Culturally, these shifts promote a more inclusive workplace. In Japan, where gender roles and family responsibilities often influence career paths, perks like free child meals could encourage more women to pursue management roles. It’s a subtle yet powerful way to address societal challenges while keeping the business thriving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the maximum annual salary for Marugame Udon store managers under the new system?
The top performers can earn up to 20 million yen (about $136,000 USD), based on a four-tier grading system evaluating sales, customer satisfaction, and other metrics.
How does the Family Cafeteria System benefit employees?
It provides free meals for children under 15 at any store in the employee’s brand network, helping parents save time and money while turning family dining into a perk that supports work-life balance.
Why is Toridoll making these changes now?
Amid Japan’s labor shortages and competitive job market, the company aims to attract and retain talent by offering competitive pay and family-oriented benefits, ensuring long-term growth.
How does this compare to salary trends in Japan’s restaurant industry?
While average food service manager pay is around 5.8 million yen, chains like Skylark are pushing boundaries with over 10 million yen for managers, aligning with 2025’s record wage hikes across sectors.
In wrapping up, Marugame Udon’s announcements signal a positive evolution in Japan’s food industry—one that values people as much as profits. Whether you’re a job seeker eyeing opportunities in Asia or simply a fan of slurpable noodles, these developments underscore how cultural sensitivity and smart business can go hand in hand. As Toridoll continues its global journey, expect more innovations that make working in restaurants not just a job, but a rewarding career path.
