Japanese restaurant group Colowide is introducing its shabu-shabu hot-pot chain to Vietnam via a franchise network.

Its first On-Yasai hot pot location opens at Vincom Mega Mall in Hanoi this month, being run by affiliate Colowide Vietnam.

The 260 sqm outlet seats 128 diners, and the monthly sales target is about US$80,000.

Colowide already runs Gyu-Kaku yakiniku (grilled meat) restaurants and Japanese-style pubs in Vietnam. Through franchising, it hopes to open 30 On-Yasai locations in Vietnam over the next five years.

Colowide is also set to acquire Japanese hamburger chain Freshness, and plans to take control of Gyu-Kaku’s North American network this month.