Ramen Shack, an OC Restaurant From Ramen Burger Inventor, Closes Permanently | Eater LA

"After just over a year in San Juan Capistrano, I watched the Ramen Shack close its doors at the end of July, its final weekend filled with regulars and devoted followers coming for one last bowl; the shop opened early at 10:30 a.m., the kitchen was slammed and tables were backed up, but no one seemed upset. The tsukemen with a thick tonkotsu dipping broth and the signature shoyu ramen were selling well, and small moments — a regular bringing Cream Pan croissants, Heritage Barbecue’s Daniel Castillo arriving with slow-smoked brisket and Shimamoto improvising an off‑menu dry noodle bowl coated in a sweet soy‑chili sauce with fresh arugula and a sizable slice of brisket — felt like reminders of why the place will be missed. Behind the scenes, staffing and supply-chain problems (his sous chef left in March and he couldn’t find the right replacement), worries about consistency, and the fact that his viral Ramen Burger was only an occasional special all strained the business; Shimamoto also faced significant health scares (chest pain and an ongoing evaluation of a lung issue) and said he’s stepping away to focus on his family. Apprentices from the shop have gone on to open places like Menya Hosaki in D.C., Shimamoto plans to bring his expertise to the Way of Ramen podcast/YouTube channel, and his partners will convert the space to a Filipino/island breakfast concept called Breezy — though he hasn’t ruled out bringing Ramen Shack or the Ramen Burger back in the future." - Jenn Tanaka