Major American brands such as Wendy’s and Olive Garden eye expansion into Hungary

A bold initiative has been launched by staff at the US Embassy: representatives from several major American brands will be invited to Budapest this September to meet Hungarian entrepreneurs and explore potential partnerships. According to the embassy, the invited companies are ready to enter the Hungarian market. Following Popeyes®, further major US brands could soon open outlets and restaurants in Hungary through collaborations with local franchise partners.

These 11 major U.S. brands could be coming to Hungary

According to the embassy:
“The US Commercial Service, in cooperation with the Hungarian Franchise Association and the Budapest Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is organising an exclusive seminar to introduce the most successful and scalable American franchise brands that are ready to expand into the Hungarian market.”

The invited companies include:

• Four pizza chains: Pizza Inn, Blaze Pizza, Russo’s New York Pizzeria, and Vocelli Pizza;
• The fast-food chain Wendy’s, which previously exited the Hungarian market;
• Darden Restaurants’ Olive Garden, which offers Italian-inspired salads and pastas;
• Velvet Taco;
• Barberitos, serving burritos, tacos, and grilled dishes;
• United Franchise Group, specialising in franchise consulting;
• Reuse Systems, which could enter the local hospitality sector with its hygiene and cleaning services;
• Mobile Outfitters, offering primarily mobile accessories and screen protectors.

Stops also planned in Vienna and Prague

Among the listed brands, Olive Garden is particularly well known—and one of the most popular Italian restaurant chains in the pizza and Italian cuisine category. Wendy’s is one of the largest fast-food chains in the US, while Russo’s New York Pizzeria is gaining traction as an emerging brand.

The U.S. Embassy is seeking Hungarian entrepreneurs, investors, and potential franchisees to attend a free, in-person networking event with representatives from these companies on 16 September. The exact location remains undisclosed and will only be revealed to registered participants. Registration is open until Friday.

The news site Telex added that the US brand representatives will make Budapest a stop on a broader Central European tour, which also includes visits to Prague and Vienna to explore market opportunities there.

Read also:

• Another famous American restaurant chain is coming to Budapest!
• Leaving the sinking ship? Monty Python’s John Cleese reacts to Orbán’s daughter and son-in-law’s US move

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