Yellow Cab to expand in Vietnam

MANILA, Philippines - Yellow Cab Pizza, the homegrown pizza brand of Max’s Group Inc. (MGI), is expanding in Vietnam.

In a statement, MGI said it has inked an agreement with Blue Star Food Corp. to put up 12 Yellow Cab Pizza stores in Vietnam within the next five years.

MGI president and CEO Roberto Trota said the expansion in Vietnam reaffirms the global mainstream appeal of some of the company’s brands.

“As we prepare to launch Yellow Cab Pizza, we will constantly seek opportunities to broaden our reach within the region,” Trota said.

Blue Star Food CEO Nguyen Thanh Nam said this expansion is a positive step for MGI because Vietnam is a fast growing young country.

He said Vietnam has a population of 95 million, with 60 percent under 35 years old.

Vietnam’s middle class is also expected to double to 33 million people by 2020.

“This young and affluent demographic is leading the change of the F&B industry and a lot of western and casual dining restaurants are flourishing in Vietnam. Pizza is one of the most preferred food offerings, and we believe that Yellow Cab Pizza, with its contemporary and hip look and feel inspired by New York, will appeal to them,” he said.

“We are looking forward to working closely with MGI to bring the best quality pizza experience to Vietnam,” he added.

Blue Star is a major player in the F&B business in Vietnam. It has been operating more than 45 outlets of Baskin Robbins in Vietnam since 2011.

The agreement with Bluestar is MGI’s first development deal signed for the year.

“Blue Star Food Corp. vast retail experience and proven track record will anchor this franchising setup. From our end, we shall provide the necessary marketing and operational assistance for this partnership,” Trota said.