Building a Franchise: Ivan Ramen’s Recipe for Scalable Growth & Consistency

What does it really take to grow a hospitality brand without watering down what made it special in the first place?In this episode of Science of Service, Rachel sits down with Ivan Orkin—chef, ramen pioneer, and star of Chef’s Table—and Chad Combs, the operational force behind Ivan Ramen’s growing franchise business. Together, they unpack the reality of scaling a cult favorite into a global brand while staying true to its heart.From working with co-packers to maintain consistency, to building out a tech stack that rivals larger chains, Ivan and Chad share the systems, mindset, and relentless attention to detail required to keep hospitality front and center—even as the brand expands. If you’re thinking about franchising your concept, this episode is a crash course in getting the foundations right, protecting brand authenticity, and ensuring your guests’ expectations are met—no matter where in the world they’re sitting.Ivan RamenScience of Service Blog