LA-Based JINYA Ramen Bar Slurping into 2 Sparrows Space on Diversey

Chicago's ballooning ramen scene will soon get a new contender from sunny California. JINYA Ramen Bar, a respected ramen concept with 11 locations in four western states (and one Canadian province), is planning its first Midwestern spot in the former home of 2 Sparrows at 553 W. Diversey, according to a real estate release.

JINYA created a Facebook page for the space less than a day ago, which projects a May opening.

Ramen is certainly trendy in Chicago, yet a restaurant dedicated to the Japanese noodle soup won't reach Lincoln Park or Lakeview until Chinatown's Strings Ramen opens soon on Halsted. JINYA, with its concept tested in multiple Western locales, should join the neighborhood after that.

2 Sparrows, the chef-driven breakfast, lunch and brunch spot, shuttered in late October.