McDonald’s picks local rep to prepare for early-2014 opening TUOITRENEWS For illustration purpose only Photo courtesy of McDonald's US foodservice retailer McDonald's has picked a Vietnamese representative to prepare for its official opening in Ho Chi Minh City, the southern economic hub of Vietnam, early next year. The California-based firm has announced to choose Henry Nguyen, a Vietnamese businessman who is the founder of Good Day Hospitality Co, as its developmental licensee for Vietnam to build up the brand in the local market. McDonald's first restaurant, planned to open in HCMC in early 2014, will have its menu included almost all of its iconic favorites widely known all over the world, from the Big Mac sandwich and cheeseburgers to World Famous Fries. The contract with Nguyen as a developmental licensee is the result of a rigorous selection process that began years ago, McDonald's said in its press release. “Nguyen brings a strong passion for the brand that he developed while working as a part-time crew member for McDonald's as a young student in the United States,” the press release said.  "I have been a big fan of McDonald's for my whole life and have had so many wonderful experiences there, including one of my first jobs when I was a teenager,” Nguyen said. “I have dreamed of one day opening a McDonald's restaurant in my native country ever since my return to Vietnam more than a decade ago," he said. "I have been in contact with McDonald's over the years sharing the opportunity that exists in our country”. "I'm proud to be part of a great team that is working hard to open up our first restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City. Our local team is preparing and training our first managers and crew for that exciting day," he added. Vietnam is one of over 65 markets worldwide where the McDonald's Development Licensee structure, a form of franchising that McDonald's has been using for more than 30 years around the world, has been deployed "As we grow our presence in the Asia region, we are looking for partners with a blend of strong business acumen and a unique understanding of our Brand," said Dave Hoffmann, President of McDonald's Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa region. "Henry Nguyen is that ideal business partner who has an impressive business background and proven track record in driving new business ventures in Vietnam," he said.  "McDonald's is a well-loved brand around the world, and we are pleased to be opening in Vietnam and bringing the McDonald's experience of quality food, great service and contemporary design to our 38th country in Asia," said Don Thompson, President and Chief Executive Officer of McDonald's Corporation. "We will be focused on meeting our customers' needs and will work hard to exceed their every expectation," he added. McDonald's is the world's leading global foodservice retailer with over 34,500 locations serving more than 69 million customers in more than 100 countries each day. More than 80 percent of McDonald's restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by independent local men and women.