Ichiran Ramen Greenpoint

[StevoC]

Anybody know when this Ramen shop is set to open. I thought it was going to be in Autumn '07 but I haven't heard any update since. Thanks.

[tweebiscuit]

A new development here (sort of): I just received an email from Ichiran, with the following cryptic and not-entirely-heartening message. I'm still holding out hope that it will open, eventually -- a ramen shop two blocks from my apartment would be amazing.

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Dear Members，

Thank you for registering as a member of Ichiran limited membership shop.
Since we began our promotion in December of 2008 asking for your suggestions and comments， about 3，000 local residents， who live within walking distance of the restaurant， have registered as members. We are deeply impressed and excited by this amazing response and we want to thank everyone who has signed up so far.
We really appreciate your interest.

In response to many requests from people all over the U.S. in many different cities， we have set up a website to improve our registration system and open it up to people outside the local area.
Now you can go to our website for more information about us and our products at:

http://www.ichiran.co.jp/ny

Because we are dedicated to providing the same level of quality that we have achieved at our restaurant in Hakata， Japan， we promise never to compromise until we have found a way to achieve the same delicious taste our customers have come to expect.

We sincerely apologize for the time it is taking us to find everything necessary to maintain our level of quality， but when we are ready to open， those who have registered will be the first to know. We hope you will be among those who will want to come in and taste this finely honed delicacy just as it is served in Japan.

ICHIRAN　- A restaurant specializing in Tonkotsu Ramen -

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*Please do not reply to this e-mail. For information only.

[eclip5e]

So whats the deal? Its been 2 years 7 months since last post, and like 4 years since the OP.

Is the space re-utilized at 1013 Manhattan Avenue, Brooklyn NY, or is it still in-development and somewhat abandoned?

[hungry_united]

FYI, greenpointers: there's a new sign posted in front of the ramen shop (actually two -- one in japanese and the other in very cute poorly translated english) saying that the restaurant is due to open at an "indeterminate date" as "ichiran ltd. membership shop." they will ultimately be a regular restaurant, but they will first open for a small group of "members" who are invited to share their "severe opinion and frank comment" while the restaurant perfects its menu... there was a little box full of registration forms which you're invited to fill out and then leave in a little mailbox and the sign said that they would contact interested parties once they had decided on serving dates... it also said that membership would be for people who live within walking distance of the restaurant...
not sure what exactly any of this means, but i signed up and i'm excited to find out!

[mmbrooklyn]

I signed up for this over a month ago, haven't heard a peep. if anyone does actually get contacted and goes, please let us know!

[Jack Barber]

Ditto, still nothing.

[mmbrooklyn]

I haven't seen any sign of activity there for a while now. I used to see the door gate 1/2 open on occasion, implying that someone was inside working. To be honest, it looks abandoned now.

[Joe MacBu]

Still not open?

[mmbrooklyn]

last word from them was "in the new year." so could be any day, although I haven't noticed any activity, unfortunately.

[JSHAFT78]

I heard February. Seems that with so little going on, anytime really soon isn't going to happen. I've eaten at ichiran in Japan, and it's going to be big in Brooklyn I think

[E Eto]

I wonder if they're also importing the cubicle seating that is Ichiran's style. This might be more of a turn-off for non-Japanese ramen eaters, who probably tend to go out for ramen with intentions of having a social outing, as opposed to the typical Japanese way of being one with your ramen, eating in less than 10 minutes and moving on to the next task. Like this guy: http://greggman.com/restaurants/ja/20...

[JSHAFT78]

That's a really good question. Honestly, as a non-Japanese ramen lover, I kind of enjoy just taking a quick pit stop, just sitting there slurping without a care in the world, but I would think lots of people wouldn't see it that way. The existence of good ramen in Brooklyn alone would make a solitary sitting quite bearable IMO

[wade125]

I keep driving by on the bus and seeing the grate on the door half open. When will this open...no one knows.

[MVNYC]

Where is this place?

[Silverjay]

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=1013+Ma...

[Silverjay]

Want to know more about what we can expect once (if?) it does open? Go to their website (http://www.ichiran.co.jp/index.html) and click the second rectangular button from the left with these characters "動画". Note: A ridiculous, lavishly produced, rather dramatic, tantalizingly delicious video with narration will pop up.

[mmbrooklyn]

The gate was half open again today when I walked by. I poked my head underneath, but didn't see any anyone. It still looks set up inside, the same as its been.

[KuCake]

Ever since I learned that this shop maybe opening in my neighborhood, I've been fantasizing its Grand Opening Day. However, as far as I can tell the 'gate half open' situation hasn't changed for the past few months...
It's a torture!

[Xiao Yang]

I guess it depends on your sex. From the English page on the website:

"With a 'curtain' and a 'dividing board', each east is divided into a semi-private room, where you can focus on the flavors of your ramen without having to worry about anything that's happening around you.
(A World First) This is especially popular with our female customers."

Antway, you can congratulate yourself on experiencing a "World First".

[derrick.mead]

No definitive word from any Greenpointers on whether they're open or not, now?

[mmbrooklyn]

not open.

[Silverjay]

http://www.chowhound.com/topics/507026