Bun Mee, the San Francisco-born Vietnamese sandwich chain, is packing up its baguettes and heading for Manhattan, with multiple New York locations expected to start rolling out this summer in both downtown and midtown.
According to QSR Magazine, the company has signed a franchise partner and a multi-unit development agreement specifically aimed at planting the Bun Mee flag in Manhattan. The move follows the chain's recent franchising launch and broader national growth plans.
From Fillmore to the airport
Bun Mee started on Fillmore Street in Pacific Heights in 2011 and has since grown into multiple storefronts around San Francisco plus two concession spots at SFO, where the brand has built a loyal following.
A profile in Forbes details founder Denise Tran's plans to scale the concept through franchising and to mirror the fast-casual model that has driven solid sales at both airport and neighborhood locations.
Manhattan rollout and timing
Local reporting indicates the New York push will start with three Manhattan locations, focused mostly on downtown and midtown. The company is still in lease negotiations and is keeping exact addresses under wraps for now.
In a statement to KRON4, Tran said Bun Mee could not share specific sites while deals are being finalized, but confirmed that the first openings are slated for this coming summer.
Airport sales and franchise momentum
Industry reporting and company filings show Bun Mee's airport units have posted strong returns, with the chain publicly citing multi-million dollar sales at its SFO terminals. That performance helped bring in its first franchise partner.
SFGATE has highlighted the brand's SFO recognition, while trade outlet Fast Casual has covered the franchising launch and laid out more detail on Bun Mee's development plans.
What New Yorkers can expect
New York menus are set to feature Bun Mee's signature banh mi lineup, including lemongrass pork, five-spice chicken and a popular lemongrass tofu, along with bowls and Vietnamese coffee that regulars in the Bay Area already know well.
The company's menu and press materials on Bun Mee show the dishes New Yorkers can expect as the brand builds out its first East Coast footprint.
