There’s nothing quite like the feel of a home-cooked meal, and for Crafty Ramen, that feeling is at the heart of everything they do. Crafty Ramen was born from a deep love for food, travel, and the warmth of home. When co-founders Jared and Miki first met in Vancouver, Jared was a Michelin Star chef, and Miki had just moved from Japan to learn English. Their shared passion for food led them to Japan, where they fell in love with ramen. “Ramen became our ultimate comfort food and something that quickly became synonymous with a sense of home,” said Jared Ferrall. Determined to master their craft, they trained at the renowned Yamato Ramen School—dubbed the “Hogwarts of ramen”—before returning to Canada in 2017 to open the first Crafty Ramen location in Guelph.
From its first day, Crafty Ramen experienced overwhelming demand. “On our very first night, there was a lineup out the door, and we sold out faster than we could have imagined!” recalled Miki Ferrall. This early success fueled expansion, leading to a second location in Kitchener in 2019. However, when the pandemic hit, they pivoted to DIY meal kits, bringing ramen into homes across Canada.
Khalil Khamis shared, “Determined to bring more ramen to more homes, we had another crazy idea: launching our meal kits online.”
This transition led to the development of single-serve frozen ramen, which became a nationwide success. By 2022, Crafty Ramen had expanded into over 1,500 grocery stores across Canada. “It’s been a wild journey, full of highs, lows, and ‘what now?’ moments, but we’ve always grounded ourselves in the spirit of kaizen—continuous improvement.”
Facing the Dragons and Thriving
Crafty Ramen’s appearance on Dragons’ Den was a turning point. “Our experience on Dragons’ Den was incredible! The feedback we received from the Dragons was invaluable, and securing a deal on TV helped give us more credibility,” said Khalil Khamis. Beyond the exposure, they’ve maintained a strong relationship with CBC and the Dragons’ Den team, participating in their “Shop The Den” Markets.
For founders looking to pitch, they offer these key takeaways:
“Know what you want, know your numbers, tell a compelling story, and be ready for tough questions. Passion and confidence go a long way!”
The Challenges of a CPG Startup
The transition from e-commerce to consumer packaged goods (CPG) has been a strategic shift for Crafty Ramen. “We saw an opportunity to fill a white space in the ramen category that is dominated by dried, instant ramen. We offer something different—restaurant-quality ramen, ready in minutes, made with real whole ingredients,” Khamis explained.
Educating consumers about these differences has been key. “We focus on the quality and transparency of our ingredients, ensuring that consumers feel confident knowing they’re choosing a wholesome product.” Their branding efforts also include refining packaging to clearly communicate the value of their ramen.
“Money, money, money!” they emphasized when discussing the biggest challenges. Managing cash flow, inventory, and getting consumers to try the product have all been hurdles. “No matter how great a product is, breaking through the noise in a crowded market is tough. Building awareness and convincing consumers to make that first purchase takes strategic sampling, strong branding, and effective marketing.”
The Future of the Ramen Industry
Ingredient transparency, convenience, and global flavors are shaping the industry. “People want to know exactly what they’re eating and are looking for high-quality, whole ingredients with no hidden additives.”
Khamis also notes that “people are busier than ever, but they don’t want to sacrifice quality or flavour. Ready-in-minute options that deliver real, chef-driven meals are becoming more popular.” The rising demand for authentic global flavors means that what was once niche is now mainstream. Expanding accessibility remains a priority.
“An exciting area we’re exploring is partnering with private label brands that consumers know and love to help bring our ramen into even more Canadian homes.”
Expanding into the U.S. is also a major goal, despite economic and tariff challenges. “Food has always had the power to bring people together, and we’re determined to keep pushing forward to share our ramen with even more communities, one bowl at a time.”
As a response to ongoing economic challenges, Crafty Ramen has launched the ‘25% Off Local Love’ promotion. “Now through March 24th, we’re taking 25% off select bowls of ramen in our noodle shops, as well as 25% off our Crafty Box subscriptions and online orders. We believe in harmony among people and hope to offer a little comfort during these uncomfortable times.”
With a commitment to quality, innovation, and community, Crafty Ramen continues to grow, one delicious bowl at a time.
