Japanese restaurant chain takes spot at Leicester Highcross

Japanese restaurant chain Maki & Ramen is set to open a new location in Leicester as it continues its expansion across the UK.

The Edinburgh-based business, founded in 2015, is taking over the former TM Lewin store in the Highcross shopping centre.

The Leicester branch is one of seven new openings planned for 2025, with the group also expanding through franchising for the first time.

Five company-owned restaurants are lined up for next year, with sites confirmed in Birmingham, Aberdeen, Newcastle, Leicester and Sheffield’s Meadowhall.

Meanwhile, franchise locations are planned for Manchester’s Northern Quarter and Glasgow’s West End. A London launch is also being considered for 2026.

The expansion is backed by a mix of self-funding, loans and investments.

Work is already underway on a Birmingham site at King Edward House on New Street, and in Aberdeen, Maki & Ramen is preparing to take over the former Carluccio’s unit in Union Square this spring.