On May 9, 2025, Nakau, a popular udon and rice bowl chain in Japan, announced a significant change to its operating hours, moving from 24-hour service to a 23-hour schedule. This transition will take effect starting May 15, 2025, at 3:00 AM, with the hour from 3:00 AM to 4:00 AM designated for intensive cleaning efforts.
The decision, made by Zensho Holdings, Nakau's parent company, comes in response to recent hygiene concerns raised following contamination incidents at another of its brands, Sukiya. In March, it was reported that a Sukiya location in Tottori City served miso soup that was contaminated with mice, while another location in Akishima City, Tokyo, discovered cockroaches in its food products. These alarming events prompted a broader initiative within the Zensho Group to enhance hygiene standards across all its restaurants.
In an official announcement on its website, Nakau stated, "We will change to 23-hour operation at all stores except for some, starting May 15 at 3:00 AM. This change ensures that we have time for intensive cleaning work every day from 3:00 AM to 4:00 AM to improve store standards." The company emphasized its commitment to maintaining a clean environment for customers.
The cleaning hour is intended to address areas that are typically difficult to clean during regular operating hours, such as behind cooking equipment. A spokesperson from Zensho Holdings noted, "Although we cannot guarantee that there will never be any contamination, we have not had any recent incidents involving mice or insects at Nakau. We will conduct cleaning during this hour when customers are not present, and we do not plan to raise wages for employees during this time. Regular cleaning will continue throughout the day as well."
After the announcement, many customers expressed support for the decision on social media, welcoming the increased focus on cleanliness. Comments included sentiments like, "Indeed, 24-hour operations don’t allow enough time for thorough cleaning and maintenance," and "I think it’s fine to take a break for cleaning." However, some voiced concerns, questioning whether just one hour of closure would be sufficient, with suggestions that closing during late-night hours could be more beneficial.
As of now, this change applies only to Nakau and Sukiya within the Zensho Group. There has been no confirmation on whether other restaurants in the group will follow suit in the future. The company is currently evaluating the effectiveness of the new cleaning protocols and their impact on customer satisfaction.
This operational shift reflects a growing trend in the restaurant industry, where hygiene and food safety have become paramount concerns for consumers. In light of recent food safety scandals, many establishments are reevaluating their practices to ensure they meet customer expectations for cleanliness.
The Zensho Group's proactive approach is designed to reassure customers who may have been apprehensive about dining out due to health concerns. By allocating specific time for cleaning, Nakau aims to enhance its reputation and ensure that patrons can enjoy their meals without worry.
As the food service industry continues to navigate the challenges posed by health regulations and consumer expectations, initiatives like Nakau's could set a precedent for other chains. The focus on cleanliness and hygiene is likely to become a standard practice, rather than an exception, as restaurants adapt to a more health-conscious consumer base.
In summary, Nakau's decision to reduce its operating hours to facilitate cleaning is a significant step towards improving hygiene and customer trust. As the restaurant prepares to implement these changes, it remains to be seen how customers will respond and how this will affect the chain's operations moving forward.
