BUSINESS / Economy

Tokyo’s tiny ramen bars close up shop rather than raise prices

Ramen King Kouraku Honpo noodle store in Tokyo. Small restaurants operators like Kouraku Honpo are among the businesses hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic as they struggle to price in social-distancing limitations on capacity. | BLOOMBERG

By Toru Fujioka
Bloomberg

Nov 12, 2020

COVID-19 and social-distancing measures are forcing some owners of tiny noodle diners to choose between pushing up prices or pulling down their shutters.

The pandemic is upending a finely balanced business model that depends on serving quick, cheap fare to customers eating elbow-to-elbow.

While some proprietors are finally embracing the need to get creative with pricing, there are others who would rather close up shop than force their regulars to swallow a more expensive bowl of ramen.

Tokyo’s tiny ramen bars close up shop rather than raise prices

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