Steaming bowls of twenty-hour simmered pork bone broth will soon arrive at another Bay Area destination. Marufuku Ramen, the San Francisco-born chain that transformed Japan Center into a ramen pilgrimage site, opens its doors at Serramonte Center in Daly City by year’s end.
From Japantown Lines to Mall Expansion
Founders Eiichi Mochizuki and Koji Kikura opened their first location in 2017, creating what would become synonymous with authentic Japanese ramen in the Bay Area. Today, their original San Francisco spot generates $10 million annually while lines stretching around corners have become part of the Japantown experience. Since then, two entrepreneurs initially filling a gap in authentic ramen options have evolved their concept into a franchise employing over 50 Japanese chefs.
Meanwhile, every location maintains the chain’s commitment to traditional Hakata-style preparation – that creamy, milk-white tonkotsu broth paired with impossibly thin noodles.
Occupying the former Kids Foot Locker space, the Serramonte location positions itself several storefronts from the main food court. Moreover, strategic placement like this reflects a broader trend of Bay Area malls becoming legitimate food destinations rather than afterthoughts.
Beyond the Bowl
Culinary offerings extend far beyond Marufuku’s famous tonkotsu base. For instance, chicken paitan ramen provides a lighter alternative while spicy tantanmen delivers heat through ground pork and chili oil. Additionally, izakaya-style small plates featuring crispy gyoza, tender chicken karaage, and octopus takoyaki transform each visit into a proper Japanese dining experience.
“This addition brings exciting culinary diversity to our center,” said Serramonte Center’s leasing director. “Marufuku’s reputation for authentic Japanese cuisine aligns perfectly with our vision of creating a premier dining destination.”
Industry observers note the strategic timing of this expansion. Furthermore, “We are excited to expand our authentic ramen experience,” said co-founder Eiichi Mochizuki during the Las Vegas opening. Indeed, his sentiment reflects the brand’s mission to bring genuine Japanese flavors to communities hungry for authenticity.
Transforming Mall Culture
Bay Area shopping centers have embraced a dining revolution, with Serramonte Center joining Stonestown Galleria in redefining mall culture. As a result, both destinations now attract food enthusiasts seeking experiences beyond standard food court fare. Consequently, shoppers plan visits around specific restaurants rather than settling for whatever happens to be available.
Recent openings in Campbell, Walnut Creek, Las Vegas, and New York demonstrate Marufuku’s national ambitions while maintaining its San Francisco soul. Ultimately, each expansion carries the same promise that made the original famous – steaming bowls of comfort, the satisfying slurp of thin noodles, and that perfect soft-boiled egg breaking like liquid gold into creamy broth.
