US sandwich chain comes to Vietnam

Subway chain, the world’s largest submarine sandwich franchise, will open its first outlet in Vietnam next August, according to the US chain’s co-founder and president, Fred DeLuca.

DeLuca told the media in Ho Chi Minh City Monday the first outlet would be in the southern hub.

“We are hoping to open 25 restaurants in the country in the next five years,” he said.

The total budget for each would be US$100,000, including the franchising fees, he said without divulging the name of the local franchisee.

The chain initially plans to use imported materials before switching to local products.

DeLuca said the prices of the food are yet to be determined.

The chain runs nearly 150 restaurants in neighboring China where each Subway sandwich costs nearly US$3, Thoi Bao Kinh Te Sai Gon Online (Saigon Economic Times Online) newspaper reported. It also sells salads and personal-sized pizzas.

A submarine sandwich is made with a long roll cut horizontally.

The chain is one of the fastest growing franchises in the world with more than 32,000 outlets in 91 countries and territories.

Tags: Subway comes to Vietnam, Vietnam fastfood, Vietnam retail market