Like many Detroit stories, ours starts humbly—without much more than a steaming bowl of noodles and a dream.

Anywhere else, it may have ended there. But Detroit is an underdog city that exports cultural icons with assembly line regularity. Here, a good idea and a lot of hustle can still rub together to make something unique and worthwhile.

Ever heard of Detroit-Style Noodles?

Creating them wasn't the goal when Chef Mike Ransom debuted the first Ima noodle shop in Corktown in 2016. The goal was to open an izakaya, a convivial and energetic gastropub where the chef could draw on his love of Asian flavors while showcasing his classic French cooking techniques.

But Detroit moves to its own beat and time. In a space too small to execute the grand vision, Ransom distilled what he knew he and his team could execute: slick udon noodles served in deeply flavorful pork-free broths, rice bowls, playful appetizers, and a refreshing emphasis on vegetable-forward and plant-based options, all priced affordably and served out of a casual, communal space full of energy and vibrant atmosphere.

Ima (pronounced ee-ma) became an instant hit, topping critics' lists while weaving itself into the cultural fabric of the city. A second location in suburban Madison Heights followed in 2018, expanding the core menu offerings to ramen and earning Ima the title of Restaurant of the Year by the Detroit Free Press in 2019. A third location in Midtown on the campus of Wayne State University opened in 2019, bringing the addition of crispy chicken and tofu sandwiches that would eventually inspire SuperCrisp—our bold Asian-inspired fast-casual concept that launched in 2022.

In 2022, we fulfilled the original vision, moving the flagship Ima one block west to a larger location that became the bustling Ima Izakaya, lauded for its incredible happy hour and creative menu of Japanese-inspired small plates, noodles, hand rolls, chargrilled skewers, and craft cocktails. The original shoebox space transformed into Summertown Fresh Bar in 2023, bringing fresh juices, smoothies, and healthy fuel to the Corktown community.

Ten years into the journey, Ima Hospitality has grown from a single vision to a beloved family of restaurants. But it all started with little more than some noodles and a dream—in a city that still rewards those who dare to create.