While global fast food brand names such as KFC, Lotteria, Jollibee, and Subway have become increasingly familiar to Vietnamese consumers, the local fast food market shares are expected to be rearranged as more players are jumping in the game. Burger King, a global chain of hamburger fast food restaurants headquartered in the US, will mark its entrance to Vietnam by inaugurating a restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City on October 20. The US giant has proved determined to explore the Vietnamese market as it plans to open as many as 12 restaurants in the last three months of this year. Five will be opened in HCMC, three in Hanoi, and one in Da Nang, besides three other stores set to open at the country’s largest airports. Burger King has entered under the franchise model, and the total capital to develop its chain across the country is estimated to be as much as US$40 million, according to beverage company Canh Dieu Xanh, which purchased the franchise. Earlier in August, another American restaurant chain, Johnny Rockets, also decided to enter Vietnam by seeking partners for the franchise, after having conducted four years of market research in the country. Johnny Rockets has targeted to set up 10 restaurants in Vietnam in the coming years, its chairman said in a statement. Yet many other global players have also eyed an entrance into what analysts said is a potential market for fast food with its young population who are open to exotic food and have increasing incomes. A delegation including chief officials of McDonald’s worked with local authorities in late August to seek investment chance, and has revealed that they may open their very first restaurants in HCMC and Hanoi in the next two years. Starbucks, the Italian-style coffeehouse chain based in Seattle, has also planned to enter Vietnam next year after penetrating India, and expanding its system in China.Rearranging market shares As many giant global fast food chains are expected to become newcomers in the local fast food market, those who have already established a considerable presence in the country are ready to embrace the future harsh competition. KFC, which arrived in Vietnam as early as 1997, now possesses a chain with 125 stores nationwide, with a growth rate of 20 to 30 new restaurants per year. The world's largest chain of fried chicken fast food restaurants has redecorated its Vietnam stores to be more open and attractive to young consumers. Meanwhile, its rival in the field of fried chicken, South Korea’s Lotteria, has also been adjusting its chain to be more adaptive to local culture. “We will open new restaurants with wider areas and equip them with Internet connected computers. We want to provide spacious and comfortable places for local youths to get together, or even study there,” said marketing director Truong Ham Liem. Lotteria currently has 124 stores countrywide, and is trying to reach the 140 mark by the end of this year. The market also has other growing players such as Jollibee, which has so far opened 30 stores, and pizza restaurants Pizza Hut, Alfrescos, and Pizza Inn.
More

1,000km journey to bring light: Heartfelt gift of cornea donation in Vietnam
His family members expected to extend their father’s light to those who are visually impaired
Highlights

Taste of Australia: Culinary fusion of Australian and Vietnamese flavors
'Taste of Australia is not just a culinary festival, but also a platform to highlight Australia’s world-class food and beverage industries, foster business connections, and inspire cultural exchanges'
Latest news

Taste of Australia: Culinary fusion of Australian and Vietnamese flavors
'Taste of Australia is not just a culinary festival, but also a platform to highlight Australia’s world-class food and beverage industries, foster business connections, and inspire cultural exchanges'

Firms that issue green bonds better at tackling emissions, study shows
Companies that issue green bonds tend to be better at reducing their greenhouse gas emissions

Japan firms set to offer large wage hikes for a third straight year
Toyota's top supplier Denso, for instance, agreed on February 17 to record pay hikes

Philippines sends ex-President Duterte to ICC over 'drugs war' killings
Duterte, 79, could become the first Asian former head of state to go on trial at the ICC

Vietnam’s February meat imports soar 40.5% to over $373mn
The country spent over US$734 million importing meat in January and February

Buon Ma Thuot festival highlights Vietnam’s coffee culture
Vietnam’s coffee industry surpassed US$5 billion in export value for the first time in 2024

Breakfast @ Tuoi Tre News — March 12
Good morning from Vietnam!

Experts discuss preventive solutions for shingles in comorbid patients in Vietnam
Shingles can also negatively affect blood sugar control, therefore diabetic patients who contract shingles have a higher risk of severe or prolonged complications

Driver detained for driving while another clings to car hood in Hanoi
Many people expressed concern over the dangerous actions of both men

Five years ago, WHO's pandemic call shook world into action
Five years ago on Tuesday, the World Health Organization announced COVID-19 had become a pandemic -- a moment when the world finally woke up to the unfolding disaster