Darden Restaurants’ premium steakhouse brand opens in Ho Chi Minh City as its experienced Asian franchise partner targets Vietnam’s growing appetite for upscale dining
The Capital Grille has made its Asian debut in Vietnam, opening its first restaurant in the region in Ho Chi Minh City through a franchise partnership with Ko Hospitality Group, as parent company Darden Restaurants takes its premium steakhouse concept into Southeast Asia.
The 120-seat restaurant opened September 28 on the 50th floor of Bitexco Financial Tower, giving The Capital Grille a high-profile entry into Vietnam’s increasingly sophisticated foodservice market. For Ko Hospitality, the opening marks its first restaurant in Vietnam and adds another Darden brand to its established portfolio of international restaurant concepts across Asia.
Why Vietnam, Why Now
The decision to enter Vietnam followed years of market evaluation by Ko Hospitality. President Stanley Ko said the company spent about three years searching for the right location in Ho Chi Minh City, after spending nearly a decade observing the country’s restaurant industry.
Vietnam’s economic growth, young population, expanding business community and rising demand for premium dining were among the factors that attracted the group. Vietnam’s economy grew 8.02% in 2025, while the country’s food-and-beverage market continued to expand in 2026.
Industry data showed F&B revenue reached VND432.7 trillion in the first half of 2026, up 6.55% year on year, pointing to continued growth in consumer spending across the sector.
Ho Chi Minh City was particularly attractive because of its concentration of businesses, affluent consumers, international visitors and premium dining venues. Ko also sees the city’s central business district as a natural environment for The Capital Grille’s positioning around business meals, celebrations and high-end social occasions.
The development of Vietnam’s fine-dining scene has also increased the country’s visibility among international restaurant operators. The arrival of the Michelin Guide has strengthened Ho Chi Minh City’s reputation as a destination for sophisticated dining, although Ko said the company had been evaluating Vietnam well before Michelin entered the market.
An Experienced Asian Franchise Partner
Ko Hospitality brings considerable experience in developing international restaurant brands across Asia. Founded in Taipei in 1984, the group operates in markets including Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines and Mainland China.
Its portfolio includes Ruth’s Chris Steak House, The Capital Grille and Ramen Nagi, among other restaurant concepts. The company’s experience with American restaurant brands made it a natural partner for Darden as The Capital Grille sought its first Asian location.
For Vietnam, Ko believed The Capital Grille offered a stronger fit. The brand’s positioning and customer profile were seen as particularly relevant to Vietnam’s younger, urban and increasingly affluent consumers.
Ko also pointed to the strong performance of The Capital Grille restaurant at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, California, an area with a large Vietnamese-American community. The restaurant has attracted Vietnamese customers, giving Ko another indication of the brand’s potential appeal in Vietnam.
The Capital Grille Adapted for Ho Chi Minh City
The new restaurant occupies about 500 square metres and seats 120 guests. It includes a bar, three private dining rooms, a wine cellar, a dry-aging room and a dedicated butcher room.
The restaurant follows The Capital Grille’s established steakhouse model, with steaks dry-aged for 18 to 24 days before being hand-carved. At the same time, the operation has incorporated elements designed for Vietnamese dining habits.
Smaller steak portions are available alongside larger cuts intended for sharing, while private dining and communal dining options support the market’s emphasis on group occasions.
Its location is another major part of the proposition. Situated on the 50th floor of Bitexco Financial Tower, the restaurant offers panoramic views of Ho Chi Minh City and is designed to serve both local customers and international visitors looking for a premium dining experience.
Vietnam Could Open the Door to Southeast Asia
For Darden, the opening marks an important international test for The Capital Grille, which has historically been concentrated in the U.S. At the end of fiscal 2026, Darden operated 74 Capital Grille restaurants in the country.
The Vietnam launch allows the company to enter a new region through an established franchise partner rather than building the market entirely through company-owned operations.
For Ko Hospitality, meanwhile, the restaurant could provide a platform for further expansion of The Capital Grille across Asia. Singapore, Jakarta and Manila are among markets that could offer future opportunities, although the group has indicated that it is taking a measured approach to development.
The opening therefore carries significance beyond a single restaurant. For Darden, Vietnam is a first test of The Capital Grille’s potential in Asia. For Ko Hospitality, it is an opportunity to introduce another premium international brand to a market where consumers are increasingly willing to spend on high-quality food and dining experiences.
