Major restaurant companies are increasingly acquiring stores. Colowide has brought C-United into its group, Skylark is expanding Sukesan Udon and Shinpachi Shokudo, and Saint Marc is acquiring the udon brand TsuruTonTan. Through these acquisitions of established brands, the companies aim to expand nationwide and improve cost efficiency.
The restaurant industry is facing soaring raw-material and labor costs as well as an increasingly severe labor shortage. Companies are therefore increasingly opting for acquisitions, which can expand an established brand’s store network more quickly than developing a new business format. Colowide brought C-United into its group in April 2026 and is working to expand its brands and store network.
Skylark Holdings acquired Sukesan Udon in 2024 and added Shinpachi Shokudo to the group in April 2026, continuing to expand its store count and geographic coverage. Saint Marc will also acquire the udon brand TsuruTonTan for ¥12.8 billion.
The aim is to achieve growth over a short period by leveraging the recognition and established customer base of existing brands. Following an acquisition, the companies plan to pursue synergies by combining their procurement, logistics, human resources and store-opening expertise. C-United, which is part of the Colowide Group, operates 565 stores, and acquisitions of regional chains may increasingly support nationwide expansion.
Many observers expect the expansion of store networks through acquisitions and the integration of management resources to become central to the growth strategies of restaurant companies. At the same time, how effectively the individuality of acquired brands is preserved will be a factor determining success or failure.