Japanese noodle restaurant chain Wagamama has opened the first of its two US sites in Boston, Massachusetts.

The UK-based operator, owned by private equity group Lion Capital, will fund the £1m opening costs of the 133-cover restaurant out of its cash flow.

The company will open a second restaurant in the city later this year.

Unlike all other non-UK Wagamama restaurants – which operate under franchise agreements – the two new US sites will remain wholly owned from the UK.

Steve hill, Wagamama’s chief executive operator, said: “We are very encouraged to have signed two great locations, which represent a major move forward in respect of our future plans for expansion in the US.

“We are now working towards identifying a third location in Boston and thereafter will look to expand further throughout the east coast.”

Wagamama currently operates 65 restaurants – 43 in the UK and the rest in Europe, Australasia and Dubai.