Chili’s Grill & Bar Vietnam launches in Ho Chi Minh City

US chain Chili’s Grill & Bar has opened its first restaurant in Vietnam in partnership with local food-franchise operator Golden Gate Restaurant Group.

Located at SC VivoCity mall in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 7, the new restaurant is the 1700th Chili’s outlet worldwide. The restaurant offers the same dishes as other Chili’s outlets internationally, following the original restaurant-bar concept inspired by Mexican & Texas cuisines.

According to a spokesperson, the restaurant will target “middle-income customers”.

Chili’s Grill & Bar Vietnam representative, David Weston, considers the country a key market in Asia as many international chains has chosen the country to make their regional debut.

Founded in 2005, Golden Gate Restaurant Group now operates more than 20 restaurant chains across the country, including Cowboy Jack’s, Hutong, Manwah and Osaka Ohsho.

Founded in Dallas, texas, in 1975, Chili’s is now owned by US-listed Brinker International restaurant group, and operates in 33 countries worldwide.