WICKER PARK — A Japan-based ramen shop that operates four United States outposts in Washington plans to take over the former Max's Wine Dive along a block of Milwaukee Avenue in Wicker Park that has seen a recent spike in empty storefronts.
According to a building renovation permit issued for the the former Max's Wine Dive at 1482 N. Milwaukee Ave., Kukai Ramen & Izakaya will be taking over the storefront, located next to Umami Burger and Native Foods just south of the Milwaukee Avenue and Honore street intersection.
Founded in 2002 in Japan, Kukai Ramen & Izakaya serves "the most traditional, authentic and delicious Japanese Ramen that you can possibly have without actually flying to Japan," according to its website.
Ramen originated in China but has been adapted over the years as a Japanese dish, with many variations of broths and noodles.
Three United States franchisees — Nuri Aydinel, Kevin Yu and Brandon Ting — opened the first North American outpost of Kukai Ramen in Bellevue, Wash., in 2012 and quickly expanded to three other Washington spots including Seattle's trendy Capital Hill neighborhood in April.
Yu, a Kukai Ramen spokesman, said Tuesday that if everything goes as planned, the new Wicker Park shop, offering "fresh food at a great value" and a menu identical to the chain's Seattle outposts, will be open in mid-February.
Yu, who lives in Seattle, is planning to permanently move to Chicago in January to oversee the 85-seat eatery, which will bring at least 10 new full-time jobs to the neighborhood and several part-time opportunities.
"I visited Chicago so many times and Iove the people; it's very welcoming and Wicker Park is right in the middle of everything," Yu said.
Steve Lipe, the building's landlord, said he cannot comment on why the location was chosen by his client but said in general that all of the potential tenants who toured the nearly 3,000-square-foot spot were attracted by "the high quality and condition of the building and buildout of the former restaurant."
Max's Wine Dive, which closed in April after just 10 months, had invested over $488,653 into renovating the space, permits show.
Lipe said the intersection of Milwaukee Avenue and Honore Street has become "a destination in and of itself" with five restaurants plus Jeni’s Ice Cream at 1505 N. Milwaukee Ave. all within a few feet of each other.
Once open, Kukai Ramen & Izakaya will be Wicker Park' third dedicated ramen joint on Milwaukee Avenue, joining Furious Spoon, 1571 N. Milwaukee Ave., which opened last winter and Oiistar, which debuted in December 2012 at 1385 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Anshul Mangal, owner of the oft-packed Furious Spoon, which is giving away free ramen this Thanksgiving to those in need, said he was unaware of Kukai Ramen's entry into Milwaukee Avenue but welcomed the news.
"I think all business is good for the neighborhood. Hopefully [Kukai] brings even more attention to ramen and more customers to the street," Mangal said.
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