A Hokkaido-based ramen chain is expanding its reach in the Lower Mainland and will add to the expanding number of ramen shops in Richmond's dining scene.

After nine months of planning, Ramen Takanostume, better known as Ramen Taka, has announced the opening date for its second location in Metro Vancouver.

Ramen Taka will have the soft opening of its new spot at Aberdeen Centre in Richmond (2780–4151 Hazelbridge Way) on Friday (April 26).

Its grand opening will follow shortly thereafter on May 1.

Ramen Taka's May Marus previously informed the Georgia Straight that the new location will have a seating capacity of up to 30 diners in a 950-square-foot space.

The theme and décor of the new venue will pay tribute to the Ainu, or the Indigenous people of Hokkaido, which is Japan’s northernmost island.

In comparison, its West End location, which opened in March 2018, seats up to 25 people in its 850-square-foot noodle shop at 841 Bidwell Street (off Robson Street). It marked the company’s first location outside of Japan.   

The West End location recently celebrated its one-year anniversary, managing to establish itself among the stiff competition in the area’s ramen district.