In a surprising twist within the competitive pizza landscape of Vietnam, Dodo Pizza, once hailed as the fastest-growing pizza chain globally, has announced the closure of all four of its outlets in Ho Chi Minh City. The final day of operations is set for May 26, marking the end of a four-year venture in the city.
In a Facebook update, the company attributed its decision to “various factors and a new strategic direction.” Following the closures, Dodo Pizza will maintain only one location, situated in Binh Phuoc Province, approximately 120 kilometers away from the bustling city.
Dodo Pizza achieved remarkable recognition in 2021 when U.S.-based food market research firm Technomic praised it as the “fastest-growing pizza chain in the world.” When it first entered the Vietnamese market, the chain identified the region as brimming with potential, particularly due to its expanding middle class. Today, Dodo Pizza operates over 1,300 outlets across 24 countries and reported a revenue increase of 19% last year, reaching a substantial US$1.2 billion.
In its quest for growth, the company is actively exploring strategic partnerships, targeting national franchisees and multi-unit operators in markets such as the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and South America. However, the Vietnamese food and beverage scene, especially the pizza segment, remains fiercely competitive, with numerous domestic and international brands vying for customer attention. Major players include local favorite Pizza 4P’s, highly recognized American franchises like Pizza Hut and Domino’s Pizza, and Thailand’s The Pizza Company, alongside a host of European and Australian brands.
The Vietnamese pizza market, valued at $780 million in 2024, is on a growth trajectory, projected to reach $1.1 billion by 2033, according to IMARC Group. As consumer demand for quick and convenient dining rises amid increasingly hectic lifestyles, pizzas are not only a staple in dedicated restaurants but are also making their way onto the menus of an expanding array of hotels and eateries.
In a landscape where everyone is fighting for the pizza crown, Dodo Pizza’s retreat raises intriguing questions about the resilience of brands in hotly contested markets.
**What led Dodo Pizza to close its HCMC outlets?**
The company cited “various factors and a new strategic direction” for the closures.
How many Dodo Pizza locations will remain open in Vietnam?
After the closures, Dodo Pizza will have just one remaining location in Binh Phuoc Province.
What is the current state of the pizza market in Vietnam?
The Vietnamese pizza market is highly competitive and is projected to grow from $780 million in 2024 to $1.1 billion by 2033, driven by rising demand for convenient dining options.
