Franchisees of the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, based in Los Angeles, Calif., opened six locations of the shop abroad in 2008, and company executives say the international expansion will continue in 2009.

U.S. native Rachan Reddy opened the first CB&TL store in Viet Nam in Ho Chi Minh City last month. A fan of the coffee and tea shop throughout college, Reddy went into venture capitalism in Viet Nam after retiring from his career as a doctor.

“I have fond memories of relaxing with friends at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf after a long night working at the hospital,” he said, in a statement. “It was always a warm and inviting place, and I wanted to bring that feeling to Viet Nam.”

Meanwhile, back in North America, Roy Grinberg has been busy over the past year opening five CB&TL locations throughout his home country, Mexico. Grinberg got to know the store during his eight-year stay in Los Angeles.

“The reception has been amazing because we’re delivering a quality product with a targeted focus on great service,” Grinberg said. “We offer premium coffee and tea and gourmet foods with a local flair, like corn cakes with crema poblana.” He added that he plans to open several more locations this year.

He won’t be alone, according to a statement by CB&TL, which said the company “in 2009 intends to open more locations across Asia, the Middle East and North America.”

Of the more than 700 stores, 433 are franchise-owned and 320 are located abroad. The store operates in 20 countries, and its first international location was in Singapore.