Bun Mee, the gourmet Vietnamese sandwich eatery founded in 2011 by Denise Tran and recognized by Bloomberg and Forbes, is now open in New York City (its first market outside of San Francisco) as the brand celebrates 15 years in business. The first store is located in the Flatiron neighborhood at 115 E 23rd St and officially opened on October 8, 2026.
The menu features creative takes on the bánh mì sandwich, alongside salads and bowls, shareable sides, and specialty beverages. Signature items include the Classic Combo (grilled lemongrass pork, pate de campagne, mortadella, shaved onion, pickled carrot and daikon, jalapeńos, cucumber, herb mix, and garlic house mayo on a toasted baguette), a Ribeye Steak Dip (a pho-inspired juicy steak ribeye, bean sprouts, herb mix, garlic house mayo on a toasted baguette and served with pho broth), Salt & Pepper Garlic Fries tossed with chopped red onions and jalapeńos and drinks such as the Vietnamese Cream Cloud made with Vietnamese coffee, and topped with rich soft whip and 5-spice powder. The baguettes are specially baked fresh daily by a local baker adhering to Bun Mee’s specifications.
All three locations will be owned and operated by the McClave family: John McClave, a real estate professional; his wife, Nam; their son, Egan; and Nam’s brother, Huy.
“We spent a lot of time researching different franchise models and comparing what each one offered,” McClave said. “Bun Mee stood out because Denise and her team brought a level of professionalism and warmth that made the opportunity feel both promising and personal. The more we learned, the clearer it became that Bun Mee had the right mix of strong operations, a thoughtful leadership team, and the kind of offering that could thrive in New York City. Choosing Bun Mee was an easy decision after seeing how committed they are to doing things the right way.”
The multi-unit development deal comes on the heels of Bun Mee’s 15th anniversary in April 2026, marking a milestone moment for the company. As the founding franchisees, the McClaves are helping usher Bun Mee into its next chapter, with plans to grow throughout the New York metro area. Their commitment sets the stage for a strong and promising franchise future.
“The McClave family embodies everything Bun Mee was built on: their Vietnamese roots through Nam and Huy, their strong family bond, and the way they work together feels so familiar to my own story. Bun Mee is heavily rooted in food and family, so seeing those same values reflected in the McClaves makes this partnership incredibly special,” said Bun Mee founder and CEO Denise Tran. “Expanding into New York, one of the most competitive and food‑forward cities in the country, requires owners with heart and discipline. I believe the McClaves will set a strong foundation for the many franchise owners who will follow.”
In 2025, Bun Mee saw national, regional and industry-wide recognition, with accolades from both Bloomberg and SFGATE recognizing Bun Mee’s San Francisco airport location as one of the top airport restaurants in the world. Additionally, Bun Mee was included again on Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers and Shakers of 2025, a testament to the industry’s recognition of the brand’s innovative footprint, authentic offerings and ambitious growth.
Bun Mee’s franchise opportunity is powered by strong, fast‑growing unit economics. In 2025, it achieved an average unit volume (AUV) of $1,324,080.33 at traditional locations and $5,603,233.00 in non-traditional airport locations, reflecting rising demand for Vietnamese cuisine in an undersaturated category. Technology features like online ordering and contactless payment demonstrate Bun Mee’s modern fast‑casual positioning and focus on the customer experience, while sustainable ingredients and compostable packaging highlight its commitment to environmental responsibility. The brand also provides robust franchisee support, from site selection to grand opening and ongoing operations, with the goal of making Bun Mee an accessible and scalable investment for a wide range of owners. For more information on Bun Mee, please visit https://bunmee.co/franchise
