zpizza, the fast-casual gourmet pizza chain, is preparing to open its first restaurant in Vietnam.

Master franchisee BIM Group will be opening its first zpizza in Ha Noi in November 2010. The restaurant will be located in the Tay Ho urban district of Ha Noi, at 51 Xuan Dieu. BIM Group will be developing more than 20 zpizza restaurants throughout Vietnam.

Founded in 1994, BIM Group is one of the leading private investment companies in Vietnam. The company was established as a developer behind Halong Bay’s first international standard luxury hotel, the Halong Plaza. BIM Group has operated a number of successful businesses in Vietnam, including real estate development, aquaculture and agriculture production, processing, distribution and export, and aviation. Within the hospitality industry, BIM Group has extensive experience in hotel and serviced-residence operations and management.

The franchise group is also evaluating other real estate opportunities in Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh City, and other major cities throughout Vietnam.

The new restaurant opening further cements zpizza’s status as a global player. zpizza currently has three open locations in Mexico. There are four zpizza restaurants open in Riyadh, Saudia Arabia, with additional development throughout the Middle East planned. zpizza has over 90 locations open worldwide, and an additional 450 new restaurants in development.

Featured on “Good Morning America” as a healthy dining option, zpizza is revolutionizing the way consumers think about pizza. zpizza takes a unique approach to the crowded pizza segment by appealing to traditional pizza lovers, health conscious consumers, and gourmet palates alike. zpizza’s menu offers a variety of tasty and adventurous pizzas as well as sandwiches, salads, calzones, and the opportunity to create your own pizza with a selection of premium ingredients — including 100 percent-certified organic wheat and sauce, part-skim, rBGH-free mozzarella, gluten-free crust, additive-free meats, vegan cheese, fresh veggies, and other toppings.

“The positive response zpizza has received from international markets is very exciting. I am thrilled that we’ve chosen Vietnam as our next development focus,” zpizza CEO Chris Bright says. “Vietnam is a booming market that has been very receptive to pizza. I think Vietnam is ready for the next generation of better pizza – pizza that is better tasting, better for you, and made with better, premium ingredients.”