Sojitz Corp. and Royal Holdings Co. will launch their first Vietnam restaurant on April 18, marking the Japanese trading house’s entry into the country’s growing dining scene. The Western-style restaurant, called “The Royal,” will open in Ho Chi Minh City as the first establishment under the Royal brand in Vietnam.
The companies plan to develop a diverse restaurant portfolio in Vietnam beyond a single brand, including both Western and Japanese cuisine options. The expansion follows their 2021 capital and business alliance, which has already yielded restaurant ventures in Singapore and plans for a sushi-focused business in the U.S.
Vietnam represents a strategic market for Sojitz, which has methodically built a comprehensive food value chain in the country. The company will integrate its wholesale food distribution and logistics operations as supply channels for the new restaurant business.
The venture targets Vietnam’s expanding dining market, which continues to grow amid rising incomes and increasing numbers of dual-income households. Sojitz began operations at Vietnam’s largest beef processing plant in December, creating additional synergy as the restaurant business provides a new sales channel for its beef products.
Royal Holdings operates several restaurant chains including Royal Host and Tendon Tenya, along with contract food service operations, in-flight catering, hotels, and food manufacturing. Sojitz acquired a 13.3% stake in Royal Holdings when they formed their partnership in 2021.
