Who are you?

Paul Beveridge of Ramen Dayo.

What does your business do?

We specialise in artisan ramen noodles, gyoza dumplings, sake and Japanese cocktails.

Where are you based?

We are about to move to our new location on Queen Street after demand meant our first premises in Gordon Lane were just too small. At the moment we are temporarily based under Max’s Bar and Grill.

How did you get started?

I returned to Glasgow in 2014 after living in Tokyo for 11 years and I realised there was nowhere that specialised in Japan’s most popular food; ramen.

I began researching authentic recipes by reading blogs, watching Youtube videos and speaking to my friends in Japan, before I started spending every weekend experimenting in my kitchen until I was able to put together the delicious dish I remembered eating many times.

What is your background?

I worked at a university in Tokyo for seven years and I was also a DJ for many years.

What is your top business tip?

There will be hurdles and you will be discouraged, but don’t give up.

How long has your business been running?

December 2016.

Has anyone helped you get started and how?

Business Gateway have given me invaluable help. My adviser has been a great source of advice and putting me in touch with various other schemes that helped me on this journey. I was also on the Entrepreneurial Spark for six months which was fantastic.

What was your first deal?

Piloting the restaurant in Gordon Lane. This was a big success and it proved that we had growth potential.

What was your biggest mistake?

My biggest mistake was underestimating how much work it takes to set up a business. It can be financially costly too, but it’s worth it and I wouldn’t change a thing.

Who was your mentor and is your inspiration?

My business partner Dario Bernardi, who also owns La Cheetah club and who I know from my DJ-ing days. He’s so focused and driven.

Where do you plan your business to be in five years’ time?

We hope to have expanded the business, firstly, by opening a second location in the west end of Glasgow then into other cities throughout Scotland and England.

Useful contacts:

Business Gateway Glasgow - www.bgateway.com/glasgow or call 0141 530 2405.

Entrepreneurial Spark - www.entrepreneurial-spark.com

Contact Details:

paul@ramendayo.com / www.ramendayo.com