Denise Tran

Denise Tran, a former attorney, is the founder and CEO of Bun Mee Vietnamese Sandwich Eatery, a gourmet fast-casual restaurant concept with five locations in San Francisco: Pacific Heights, Financial District, SFO Terminals 1 & 3, and Marina District.

Bun Mee has been locally and nationally recognized as a pioneer in the Asian sandwich niche making delicious banh mi sandwiches with wide crossover appeal.

Launched in 2011, Bun Mee blends the street food concepts of Vietnam with Denise’s flavorful modern interpretations using fresh, local ingredients. Within months of opening, Bun Mee was critically reviewed, with many of their menu items landing on San Francisco’s “best” lists. In 2013, Bun Mee was named on Fast Casual Magazine’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers in the country at #28 between Panera Bread and Five Guys Burgers. Bun Mee has been featured on the Travel Channel’s “Food Paradise,” and has countless press mentions local, national, and international. Most notably, Bun Mee launched its national franchise program, and Bloomberg listed Bun Mee as one of the best airport restaurants in the world in 2025.

Denise has been recognized by Quick Service Magazine as one of the country’s top Wonder Women founders who are changing the game in the fast-casual industry. In 2020, the San Francisco chapter of the Entrepreneur’s Organization awarded Denise with the Entrepreneur of the Year Award.