Renowned California-based craft ramen concept, HiroNori, is gearing up to open its fourteenth location at 4108 Edison Ave in Chino later this summer, according to co-owner Hiro Igarashi.
Igarashi, who lamented not only the quality of available ramen options but also the shops’ customer service the first time he visited Los Angeles, tells What Now Orange County that he and co-owner Nori Akasaka “can’t wait to serve good ramen in the area.”
“We found out many customers come all the way from Chino to our Santa Fe Springs location, which is the closest location from [the] Chino area,” says Igarashi, adding, “They complain there is not good ramen place out there.”
Needless to say, Chino residents are in for a treat, as HiroNori has garnered numerous accolades since first opening in 2017, including recognitions from Michelin Guide in 2019 and 2023, as well as Top 10 Japanese Ramen by OC Register in 2020 and 14 Best Japanese Restaurants in Orange County from Modern Luxury Riviera in 2022.
According to Igarashi, the menu will be much the same as what’s found at the other locations, which stretch from San Diego up to Santa Clara. “We might add new items,” says Igarashi, “but not sure.”
HiroNori offers three signature ramen styles – Tonkotsu, Shoyu, and a vegan-friendly Sesame Miso – with all of its noodles, stock, and sauces made in-house. And while the Tonkotsu and Shoyu come standard with pork chashu, that’s also just one of many toppings that can be added, alongside shrimp, egg, seaweed, green onion, spinach, tofu, quinoa, black garlic oil, garlic, and house spicy sauce.
Similarly, there are a couple of different bowl options like pork, chicken, spicy tuna, and salmon poke, and traditional sides such as pork buns, cucumber crab salad, edamame, and more.
Igarashi and Akasaka’s friendship began in Los Angeles in 2011, having bonded over a shared desire to “serve authentic ramen with excellent service and bring joy to their customers.” In fact, the duo believes that by doing this, they’ll be able to leave an indelible mark on the communities in which they operate.
“Good relationships between employees will lead to a more positive atmosphere, a happier atmosphere will lead to happier customers, and happy people will have a positive impact on the community. In this light, HiroNori believes that the world can become a better place – one bowl of ramen at a time,” the restaurateurs write on their website.
