Dunkin’ Donuts, a common sight in the eastern United States, last week announced it had signed a franchise agreement with Vietnam Food and Beverage Co. Ltd., whose partners have a track record of success in the local restaurant industry, to develop the business and brand in Vietnam.

The agreement calls for the development of Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants, already present in many Asia countries, across Vietnam over the next several years, with the first locations planned for the Ho Chi Minh City area.

As a potential market with a generally youthful population, Vietnam is coveted by a number of famous US chains that are now following a trail blazed by KFC and Pizza Hut. Dunkin’ Donuts’ sister brand, Baskin-Robbins, entered Vietnam in January 2012 and currently has 13 locations in the country.

Starbucks, the world’s biggest coffee restaurant chain, last week opened its first store in Vietnam as part of a large expansion in Asia.

The store is located at Ho Chi Minh City’s five-star Hotel New World, where in 2000 former US’ President Bill Clinton and in 2006 former US’ President George W. Bush stayed during their Vietnam visits.

“Vietnam is one of the most dynamic and exciting markets in the world and we are proud to add Vietnam as the 12th market across China and Asia Pacific region,” said John Culver, president of Starbucks China and Asia Pacific.

Starbucks operates its stores in Vietnam via the long-term franchise relationship with Hong Kong Maxim’s Group.

Starbucks has been re-organising its business to focus on the Asia Pacific region, the biggest growth market for the company. It currently operates more than 3,300 stores across 11 countries in the region.

Meanwhile, McDonalds last year sent representatives to Vietnam for studying feasibility of opening restaurants in this country.

Dunkin Brands International Giorgio Minardi said: “We are excited to partner with Vietnam Food and Beverage Co. Ltd., which has a deep knowledge of the Vietnamese consumer, to open the first Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants in Vietnam. We look forward to working with them to bring Dunkin’ Donuts’ delicious offerings to guests across the country.”

Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants in Vietnam will feature the brand’s high-quality coffee and baked goods, including Dunkin’ Donuts Original Blend Coffee, a wide assortment of donuts, delicious breakfast and bakery sandwiches.

Dunkin’ Donuts currently has more than 10,000 restaurants around the world in 32 countries, including more than 1,450 locations in Southeast Asia.