World's fastest-growing pizza chain to close all stores in Ho Chi Minh City

Despite impressive growth in many international markets, the Russian fast food brand Dodo Pizza has faced multiple difficulties in the Vietnamese market.

The four stores are situated on major streets in Binh Thanh District, Go Vap District, District 1, and District 7. 

Meanwhile, the company will continue to operate its stores in Dong Xoai City, Binh Phuoc Province, southern Vietnam.

According to Dodo Pizza Vietnam, the closures are due to "various objective factors and a new strategic direction."

The company stated that the decision was not easy and expressed regret at parting ways after nearly four years of presence in Ho Chi Minh City. 

Despite the closures of key outlets, the brand remains hopeful about reconnecting with customers on a new journey.

Dodo Pizza initially chose Ho Chi Minh City as the first location to launch its stores in Vietnam. 

However, the company had to postpone the opening due to social distancing measures implemented to curb the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition to pizza, the brand offered other fast food items such as pasta, fried chicken, and French fries.

When first entering the market, Dodo Pizza considered Vietnam a highly promising market thanks to its rapidly developing economy and growing middle class.

In terms of business performance, the pizza chain recorded over US$1.2 billion in revenue in 2024, up more than 19 percent from the previous year.

In the year to May 18, the chain has already reported more than $564 million in revenue.

Technomic, a research and consulting firm servicing the food and foodservice industry, reported that Dodo Pizza was the world’s fastest-growing pizza chain in 2021. 

As of the end of last month, the brand operated 1,364 stores across 24 countries.

According to the chain’s latest data, becoming a franchise partner requires a national franchise fee of $150,000. 

Franchisees must also pay five percent of their monthly revenue to the brand.

Each new store opened incurs an additional fee of $5,000. These fees cover all technology systems, training, and operational support, with no extra charges.

Dodo Pizza is currently seeking strategic partners, including national franchisees and multi-unit operators, in regions such as the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and South America. 

Partners will receive full support in technology, operations, and training from day one.

Vietnam’s food and beverage market, especially the pizza segment, is becoming increasingly competitive with the presence of both domestic and international players.

Some of the most notable brands include Vietnam’s Pizza 4P’s, Pizza Hut and Domino’s Pizza from the U.S., and Thailand’s The Pizza Company, alongside many other names from the UK, Italy, Australia, and others, adding to the market’s vibrancy.

According to a report by market research and consulting company IMARC Group, the pizza market in Vietnam reached $780 million in 2024 and is expected to grow to $1.1 billion by 2033, with an average annual growth rate of 3.8 percent from 2025 to 2033.

This growth is mainly driven by the increasing popularity of fast and convenient meals among busy individuals and the rising presence of pizza in restaurants and hotels.

Nevertheless, fast food brands continue to face intense competition in terms of quality, pricing, and service from both major competitors and traditional Vietnamese eateries, which remain familiar and appealing to local consumers.