JINYA partners with NFL veteran Jaylon Smith to bring renowned ramen concept to his alma mater community
JINYA Ramen Bar will open its first South Bend location on Wednesday, July 9, bringing its acclaimed Japanese ramen concept to the campus of the University of Notre Dame. The opening marks a partnership with NFL veteran and pro linebacker Jaylon Smith, a Notre Dame alum who is making his restaurant debut as a franchisee with the brand.
Located at 1145 N. Eddy St., Suite 140, this will be the first location in South Bend, the second in the state of Indiana and the 74th systemwide. To celebrate its debut location in the city, the first 100 guests in line on opening day at 11 a.m. will receive a free bowl of ramen.
The new JINYA Ramen Bar will showcase the brand’s contemporary approach to Japanese dining, including a customizable menu and sleek, modern interiors. Designed for lively social gatherings, the restaurant will offer an inviting space for students, faculty, visitors and local residents to connect over high-quality, flavorful meals.
“We’re excited to bring JINYA Ramen Bar to South Bend and introduce the community to our bold flavors and modern take on Japanese ramen,” said Tomo Takahashi, Founder and CEO of JINYA Ramen Bar. “Partnering with Jaylon has made this launch even more meaningful – his energy, leadership and deep connection to the community align perfectly with our brand values. We’re proud to welcome him to the JINYA family.”
At JINYA, ramen is more than a meal – it’s an experience. Guests can savor slow-simmered, thick, flavorful broths perfectly paired with handcrafted noodles. Toppings like tender pork chashu, shrimp wonton and seasoned eggs add depth to every bowl, while small plates and craft beer selections complete the dining experience. With a commitment to authentic flavors and quality ingredients, JINYA brings an elevated take on traditional ramen. JINYA is ramen culture, where the relationship between broth and noodles is at the heart of every dish.
To learn more about JINYA’s full menu, visit JINYARamenBar.com.
Jaylon Smith is a professional NFL linebacker currently playing for the Las Vegas Raiders. A Fort Wayne, Indiana native and standout at Notre Dame, Smith was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Over the course of his career, he’s distinguished himself through both his play and leadership, earning Pro Bowl recognition, team captain honors, and a Walter Payton Man of the Year nomination for his service off the field.
Beyond football, Smith is a committed entrepreneur and investor. He founded the Minority Entrepreneurship Institute (MEI) to provide capital and mentorship to founders of color and co-founded the eyewear brand CEV, now sold in over 500 Sam’s Clubs. His portfolio also includes real estate and private equity investments, all driven by a mission to build wealth and opportunity in underserved communities.
Founded in 2010 by Tomo Takahashi – who was named among the most influential restaurant CEOs in the country in 2022 by Nation’s Restaurant News – JINYA Ramen Bar has over 70 restaurants with multiple new locations in the pipeline. JINYA’s focus on kaizen – the Japanese practice of continuous improvement – means its guests will always experience the best ramen out there. From the water used to prepare its broth to the special aging process that its noodles undergo, JINYA pays meticulous attention to everything that goes into its guests’ bowls. JINYA also operates bushi by JINYA, Robata JINYA, LBD Japanese Bar and Lounge, and JINYA Ramen Express. For more information, visit JINYARamenBar.com and follow JINYA on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. To learn more about JINYA’s franchising opportunities, visit JINYARamenBar.com/franchise.
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