Used car dealership in Japan receives Michelin recognition for its ramen
Sometimes when you go above and beyond in customer service, you can be rewarded in ways that you wouldn’t expect.
And sometimes that reward comes in the form of a Michelin recognition.
That was the case for Katsumi Yoshida, a proprietor of a used car dealership in Japan, anyway.
Yoshida founded the dealership Hot Air in Tottori in 2002, and began serving ramen as a nice offering on the side about ten years later, converting a meeting room into a dining space. Apparently, he knew what he was doing, as word of the delicious dishes eventually spread all the way to a Michelin official, who paid a visit to Hot Air and ended up including the ramen in the Michelin Guide Kyoto Osaka + Tottori 2019. Hot Air was recognized as “Bib Gourmand,” a distinction that “recognizes restaurants offering quality food at a maximum of 5,000 JPY” ($58 CAD).
A bowl of ramen at Hot Air goes for about 800 JPY, or about $9 CAD. Located just outside of Hamamurasakyu Park, this spot is definitely worthy of a visit during your next trip Torrori.
But here’s the most endearing part: The used car dealership is reminiscent of the Michelin Guide’s roots, as it was originally started over 100 years ago by a French tire company. Because who doesn’t love a good full-circle story?!
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