#Japan #Sapporo #Gogo Curry #COUNTERWORKS #R&I Company

R&I Company Limited Unveils Innovative Dining-Ready Trailer House

R&I Company Limited, headquartered in Sapporo, Hokkaido and led by CEO Kozo Saito, recently announced the development of a new type of trailer house designed specifically for indoor dining. This 40-foot model incorporates expertise gained from Gogo Curry's restaurant operations, ensuring that the interior layout, seating arrangement, kitchen, and customer flow are all optimized for actual food service operations.

Background of Development

As R&I Company Limited introduces the "Moving ShoP" concept, it highlights the potential of trailer houses in unconventional settings such as commercial parking lots and roadside areas, moving away from traditional retail spaces. The impetus for the new model stemmed from the increasing demand for dine-in restaurant options. The design aligns with Gogo Curry’s operational strategies, providing a unique solution for venues struggling to utilize certain commercial space effectively.

Many shopping centers have areas near entrances or along the periphery that experience foot traffic. Still, these locations are not easily transformed into typical retail spots. The newly developed model presents a fresh approach to establish dine-in eateries in such ambiguous spaces.

Collaboration with COUNTERWORKS

In February 2024, R&I Company Limited entered a basic agreement with COUNTERWORKS, based in Shinagawa, Tokyo and led by CEO Naoki Sanbe, to collaboratively propose trailer houses to commercial facilities nationwide. As part of this initiative, COUNTERWORKS will also collaborate with R&I Company and Empower Co., Ltd. in developing additional trailer house models for their retail concepts.

The dining-ready model will leverage insights gained through COUNTERWORKS' successful partnerships with commercial spaces, creating opportunities for a wider rollout.

Features of the New Model

1. 40-Foot Design Tailored for Restaurant Operations
This new trailer house incorporates a spacious 40-foot layout to accommodate customer seating and kitchen functionalities while ensuring efficient operations similar to a traditional restaurant setting.

2. Kitchen Layout Supporting Service and Cooking
The kitchen is strategically designed to minimize back-facing interactions with guests during cooking, ensuring that staff can manage both cooking and customer service effectively even during busy hours.

3. Streamlined Customer Flow
By separating the entrance and exit, the interior layout minimizes congestion during peak hours, making it easier for customers to navigate from entry to exit smoothly.

4. ISO Chassis for Mobility and Reconfiguration
Built on an ISO chassis, this trailer house can be easily moved and reconfigured based on the operational needs of commercial facilities. It is designed not only as a restaurant but can also serve as a base for providing food in disaster-stricken areas in times of need.

5. Support for Administrative Procedures
R&I Company Limited offers assistance with necessary government administrative procedures for establishing food service operations, including consultations and applications to health departments. They aim to provide comprehensive support through the implementation phase.

Future Expansion Plans

R&I Company Limited is poised to expand its reach through partnerships with COUNTERWORKS, enhancing connections with commercial facilities interested in utilizing their parking lots or unused spaces for new dine-in stores. Their goal is to create new opportunities for food service operators and enhance customer attraction and revenue generation within commercial spaces nationwide.

About “Moving ShoP”

The "Moving ShoP" is R&I Company Limited’s innovative trailer house retail unit. It can be deployed in various locations, including commercial parking lots and roadside areas, serving a variety of functions such as a restaurant, café, office, or temporary facility. Its advantages include easy relocation and a quicker setup time compared to traditional buildings.

Company Information

• - R&I Company Limited

- Address: 2-24, Minami 20 Jo Nishi 8 Chome, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
- CEO: Kozo Saito
- URL: ricoltd.jp

• - COUNTERWORKS, Inc.

- Address: 8F, TOC Building, 17-22, Nishi Gotanda 7, Shinagawa, Tokyo
- CEO: Naoki Sanbe
- URL: counterworks.co.jp

Contact for Inquiries

• - Name: R&I Company Limited Public Relations
• - Contact: Takada
• - Phone: 03-6272-8537
• - Email: [email protected]

By advancing this innovative dining-ready trailer house, R&I Company Limited is set to transform the dining landscape across Japan, offering flexible and customizable solutions for food service operators. With the collaborative partnership with COUNTERWORKS, the future of dining experiences seems promising.