Tulsa World: JINYA Ramen Bar opens Wednesday in downtown Tulsa

December 14, 2016 Press

JINYA Ramen Bar, which features ramen bowls, small plates and a full bar, opens Wednesday in the Blue Dome District.  The restaurant is located at 416 E. Second St., just west of Fleet Feet Sports and Lee’s Bicycles.  The franchise restaurant is locally owned by Dave Soparkthipong, who said he noticed how popular ramen bars were in Houston when he worked in the oil and gas industry.  “I came across JINYA Ramen Bar, and there was a 40- to 50-minute wait every night,” he said. “Ramen bars are the hottest thing in Houston now.”  He said he has been to Japan multiple times and dined at some of the most popular ramen bars there.  “I tried JINYA and thought it was really up there with those,” he said.  The restaurant has more than 20 toppings to go with the ramen noodles, and the menu offers 12 preset combinations. Diners also may customize their bowls.  “We’ll also have appetizers, tapas for happy hour, local craft beers, Japanese beer, sake and cocktails,” Soparkthipong said.  He said he has relatives from out of state who have been in the restaurant business for many years. He said they helped him get JINYA off the ground, and he is friends with Lanna Thai and The Tropical owners, who have also lended support.  JINYA Ramen Bar has more than 20 locations throughout the U.S. and Canada. This is the first one in Oklahoma.  Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. The phone number is 918-861-4100.