By: Bun Mee
Bun Mee, the gourmet Vietnamese sandwich eatery profiled by Bloomberg and Forbes, enters 2026 with its first franchise partner and a multi-unit development deal that will take Bun Mee from sunny San Francisco to Manhattan, NY.
With a proven system, a differentiated category position, and the advantage of being an emerging franchise in the undersaturated Vietnamese cuisine space, Bun Mee offers early adopters the rare chance to secure territory ahead of a brand poised for national scale.
Bun Mee’s franchise opportunity is backed by strong unit economics, which have exponentially increased every year. The brand’s 2025 FDD numbers indicate explosive demand for the brand’s offerings in the undersaturated Vietnamese cuisine space, delivering an impressive AUV of $1,327,806.50 at traditional locations and $4,683,228.50 for non-traditional airport locations.
In 2025, Bun Mee saw national, regional and industry-wide recognition, with accolades from both Bloomberg and SFGATE as one of the top airport restaurants in the world and San Francisco Airport. Additionally, Bun Mee was included again on Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers and Shakers of 2025, a testament to the industry’s recognition of the brand’s innovative footprint, authentic offerings and ambitious growth.
“2025 was an incredible year of continued momentum and model validation for Bun Mee,” said Founder and CEO Denise Tran. “We delivered a 25% companywide sales increase, secured a multi-unit development deal in less than 1 full year of offering the franchise opportunity, and secured our first New York City franchise partner— Growing in Manhattan validates the scalability of our model in one of the most competitive markets in the country.”
As a fast-casual gourmet restaurant franchise known for its modern take on banh mi and Vietnamese-inspired street fare, Bun Mee is well positioned to emerge as a leading player in New York City’s growing Vietnamese food scene. The brand offers flexible franchise options, thriving in diverse settings such as airports, malls, stadiums, and highly walkable urban or suburban neighborhoods.
Denise’s passion was ignited during a solo journey through Vietnam in 2008. Traveling through the night markets of Ho Chi Minh City to the streets of Hanoi, she was captivated by street vendors’ craftsmanship and their dedication to perfecting a single, specialty dish. That experience became the foundation for Bun Mee—a fast-casual concept devoted to elevating traditional Vietnamese street food, most notably, the iconic banh mi sandwich.
Born in Vietnam, raised in New Orleans, and shaped professionally on both the East and West Coasts, Tran brings a uniquely broad perspective to food in America. Her lived experiences have deepened her understanding of how regional tastes, cultural identity, and accessibility influence how Americans connect with food—insights that directly inform Bun Mee’s inclusive and scalable approach.
Now, she is bringing this fusion cuisine to New York City, one of the most diverse food landscapes in the world. The Vietnamese food scene in New York City is vibrant and growing. This cultural momentum combined with an increased demand for higher-quality, fast-casual Asian dining options makes it a particularly strategic moment for a banh mi focused brand to enter the market as a leading competitor.
“As we look ahead to 2026, we’re energized by the next chapter for Bun Mee. Our purpose has always been about more than delicious food—it’s about culture, community, and creating something meaningful. Getting to take our first steps into a new market while New York is experiencing an unprecedented burst of Vietnamese culture and food is surreal and exciting,” Tran said. “The year ahead represents an opportunity to build on our momentum through thoughtful expansion, deeper investment in our people and infrastructure, and the pursuit of a strategic partner who shares our long-term vision for building an enduring, values-driven brand as we bring Bun Mee to more cities across America.”
Technology-driven solutions like online ordering and contactless payment further establish Bun Mee as a cutting-edge, fresh, and modernized franchise opportunity in the fast-casual space. The brand’s commitment to the ultimate customer experience is matched only by its dedication to the well-being and preservation of the planet. Bun Mee prioritizes the use of mindful and sustainable ingredients and demonstrates environmental responsibility through the use of compostable to-go items.
The brand also offers robust, hands-on support for franchisees including extensive site selection support, operations training both at corporate headquarters and on-site, comprehensive marketing guidelines, and regular field visits to ensure ongoing operational excellence. Bun Mee ensures accessibility and support for a diverse range of investors, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a reliable and scalable business model.
Bun Mee is committed to building value and aiming to be the first premier gourmet Vietnamese fast-casual dining option in cities nationwide. With a “franchisee-first” model, eco-friendly footprint, and unique, elevated takes on street food, Bun Mee provides an unmatched franchise opportunity in an undersaturated market. Often dubbed to be the “Shake Shack of Vietnamese Sandwiches,” the brand is proud to represent the rich Vietnamese-American heritage of their founder while drawing inspiration from the uniquely beautiful sights, sounds, and flavors of Vietnamese street food.Bun Mee is selectively partnering with seasoned operators and growth-minded investors ready to secure early access to a category-defining brand on the rise.
For more information, please visit https://bunmee.co/franchise.