Jinya Facebook Page

Ricky Ly of Tasty Chomps reports that Japanese chain Jinya Ramen Bar will take over the space in Thornton Park Central recently vacated by Verde Cantina. According to Ly, franchisees Eric Jakab and Taff Liao plan to open the restaurant in early 2018.

Jinya was founded by Tomonori Takahashi, who opened the first Jinya in Tokyo in 2000. It wasn’t until he moved to California, in 2010, that he saw a potential for a ramen bar to be a success in the U.S. The Burbank based company currently has more than 20 locations throughout the United States and prominently promotes franchise possibilities on its website.

The Thornton Park location will be the first in Florida.

The menu features the noodle-based ramen soups that have (slowly) been gaining in popularity in Central Florida. It also features rice bowls and Japanese curries and other Asian dishes.

There’s even a section labeled “mini tacos.” Considering the previous tenant and the one before it — Tijuana Flats — that should offer a smooth transition to the new cuisine.