Popular Gainesville ramen restaurant plans Jacksonville expansion

[thelakelander]

A popular Gainesville ramen eatery has its sights set on Jacksonville for a second location.

Crane Ramen, which opened its Gainesville location last December, is scouting potential locations in the Riverside and Avondale area, according to founder Fred Brown.

Brown hails from Jacksonville, and has both professional and familial ties in the area. Following its success in Gainesville, Jacksonville is the natural next step for the restaurant.

"Jacksonville continues to grow," Brown said.

The explosion of the 32205 ZIP code, one of the fastest-growing in Florida this year, is also attractive to Brown, as well as the relatively young population in the area.

"It's one of the best places to open a business right now," he said.

Full article: http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/blog/morning-edition/2015/10/popular-gainesville-ramen-restaurant-plans.html

[johnnyliar]

I am extremely excited about this!
I went there a few weeks ago in Gainesville and it was definitely the best ramen I've had outside of Japan.
Here's hoping that the location will be in Murray Hill! 

[Josh]

You alive, Max?

[jcjohnpaint]

This is one of my colleague's son.  He is a trained chef and a pretty great one from what I hear.   

[ProjectMaximus]

You alive, Max?

Lol...I actually heard about this last week from Cari and I asked her to connect us. Just sent a followup email!

[JaxJersey-licious]

You alive, Max?

Lol...I actually heard about this last week from Cari and I asked her to connect us. Just sent a followup email!

Yeah, best of luck with that. From what I've seen this guy appears to be the shit. Would be a great addition to Murray Hill.

For me they key to any good ramen was always the ramen accouterments. Not saying the quality of noodles aren't important nor the meat or style of broth, but it's the combination and compilation of textures (savory, spicy, salty, sweet, crunchy, creamy) tempered with perfectly done noodles firm in texture that make a good bowl of ramen one of the most satisfying culinary delights, particularly on crisp Autumn nights.

Seriously, Jacksonville. If done right, you will wish this place opened yesterday!

[Captain Zissou]

Dale from Super Food mentioned recently that he was considering a ramen and dim sum concept in the future.  He mentioned that he knows the owner of Crane, but I don't know if he is partnering with him.  I wonder if this announcement will alter his plans.

[KenFSU]

It finally opened in Five Points.

Worth the wait, ten times over.

[ProjectMaximus]

Sweet! I just looked at photos online and the ramen looks legit!

[SoudNoises]

I ate there last night before going to Sun-Ray.
It was delicious. Excellent food, great ambience (Which will improve even more once the back patio is finished) and a full bar with quality mixed drinks.
A welcome addition to the neighborhood.

[wanderson91]

I've been a couple times now (lunch and dinner). Service improved drastically from week one to week two, the food is great, and the ambiance is wonderful. Great addition to 5 points.

[KenFSU]

Went again today.

Line out the door.

Totally worth it.

[Captain Zissou]

I've been a couple times now (lunch and dinner). Service improved drastically from week one to week two, the food is great, and the ambiance is wonderful. Great addition to 5 points.

If Wes Anderson says it's good, you know it's good.

[Adam White]

I've been a couple times now (lunch and dinner). Service improved drastically from week one to week two, the food is great, and the ambiance is wonderful. Great addition to 5 points.

If Wes Anderson says it's good, you know it's good.

If Wes Anderson says it's good, the food probably looks really pretty but lacks much (if any) substance. And all the dishes are basically the same.

[camarocane]

Have not been yet, but the closest thing I've had to ramen in Jax was at Hanger Bay at Mayport. I'm glad there is somewhere closer to my house now.