Wagamama Group

Wagamama Limited, initially called China Diner Limited, is a prominent British restaurant chain celebrated for its Asian-inspired and Japanese cuisine. Established in 1992, the first Wagamama restaurant opened in London’s Bloomsbury, marking the beginning of a culinary revolution in the UK.

Inspired by Japanese Ramen Bars

The inspiration behind Wagamama comes from the bustling ramen bars of Japan, known for their quick service and authentic flavours. Wagamama aims to replicate this experience, providing a unique dining atmosphere that introduces a new way of eating Asian cuisine. The name “Wagamama” translates to “self-indulgent” or “self-centred” in Japanese, reflecting the brand’s ethos of putting the customer first. This philosophy is embedded in the kaizen process, a Japanese business strategy focused on continuous improvement, which Wagamama adopts to refine its work processes and customer experience.

Founder and Growth

The inception of Wagamama is credited to Alan Yau, an entrepreneur with a passion for food. In 1988, Yau left behind an academic career to venture into the food industry, opening a Chinese takeaway. His vision expanded with the launch of Wagamama, a chain of canteen-style noodle restaurants. The success of Wagamama caught the attention of Matthew Brown, the founder of The Restaurant Group PLC, who acquired Wagamama Group Limited in 2006 for £559 million. This acquisition marked a significant milestone in the brand’s growth.

Recent Developments

Wagamama has recently been in the spotlight due to a major acquisition. In 2023, The Restaurant Group decided to sell most of its portfolio, retaining only Wagamama. By October 2023, they accepted a buyout offer from Apollo Global Management (APG), a US-based private equity firm. The complete purchase, finalized in December 2023, amounted to £701 million, signalling a new chapter for Wagamama under APG’s ownership.

Global Expansion and Leadership

From its humble beginnings, Wagamama has expanded to over 190 locations worldwide, with 130 restaurants in the United Kingdom alone. This global presence underscores the brand’s popularity and its successful adaptation of Asian culinary traditions. Leading Wagamama into this era of growth is CEO Thomas Heier, who has been with the company for over six years and has served as CEO since 2021. Under Heier’s leadership, Wagamama continues to thrive and expand its global footprint.

Recognition and Awards

Wagamama’s commitment to quality and innovation has earned it several prestigious awards. In 2018, the chain received the Casual Dining Award for Large Multi-Site Restaurant Brand of the Year, celebrating its excellence across multiple locations. That same year, Wagamama won the Corporate Engagement Award (CEA) for its most innovative collaborations, highlighting its creative partnerships. Additionally, the brand was honoured with the Confimprese Award for Best New Premium Foreign Retailer, recognizing its successful international expansion.

In 2019, Wagamama continued its streak of accolades by winning the Casual Dining Award for Best Multi-Site Restaurant. The brand was also commended for its marketing campaign, “Feed Your Inner Good,” which resonated with customers and showcased Wagamama’s dedication to promoting well-being through food.