Summary
Leading pan-Asian restaurant chain Wagamama USA is relocating its U.S. corporate headquarters from New York City to Tampa, Florida. The move, set for December, will bring 15-20 employees to a new office at The Towers at Westshore (Suite 200, 1408 N. Westshore Blvd.). Founded in London in 1992, Wagamama now operates more than 22 countries worldwide and currently has seven U.S. locations, including in Tampa’s Water Street district. CEO of Wagamama U.S., Stephen Judge, said the move to Tampa “positions us for long-term growth… allows us to continue building a world-class team and strengthen the foundations required for disciplined expansion.”
The move underscores Tampa Bay’s increasing appeal for corporate headquarters relocations, thanks to its business-friendly climate, growing talent pool and favorable cost structure compared to coastal hubs.
The Wagamama USA Story:
Asian-fusion restaurant chain Wagamama USA is relocating its corporate headquarters from New York City to Tampa, Florida, in December 2025. The new office, located at The Towers at Westshore (1408 N. Westshore Blvd.), will host between 15 and 20 employees as the brand ramps up national expansion.
“Tampa Bay is a great place to work and live,” said Stephen Judge, CEO of Wagamama USA. “It’s got a hardworking labor force and the availability of employees to support our future growth plans.”
Founded in London (1992), Wagamama now operates in 22+ countries. The company opened its first U.S. locations in Boston and New York starting in 2007, but struggled to grow beyond the Northeast for more than a decade.
In 2018, the brand entered a joint venture with Conversion Venture Capital, which owned 80 percent of the U.S. division. That partnership helped open new sites, including Wagamama’s Water Street Tampa restaurant (2023), its first in Florida.
A major turning point came in 2024, when parent company The Restaurant Group plc (TRG) bought back the majority stake from Conversion Venture Capital and reclaimed full control of U.S. operations. TRG said the move would simplify management and accelerate store development nationwide.
With its new Tampa base, Wagamama plans to expand across Florida, Texas, and the Carolinas over the next several years. The company also appointed Suk Singh as Chief Development Officer (2024) to lead real estate strategy and franchise growth.
“Some of the most recognizable brands all started out in Tampa,” Judge said. “It’s a great market for testing future ideas and future concepts.”
Timeline
1992: Wagamama founded in London
2007: First U.S. restaurants open in Boston and New York
2018: Partnership with Conversion Venture Capital
2023: Tampa’s Water Street location opens
2024: TRG regains control of U.S. operations; Suk Singh joins
2025: Corporate headquarters moves to Tampa