Edible Enterprises

The food and beverages sector in the UK is worth about £30 billion a year with current growth estimated at around 4.3 per cent, a sizeable chunk of which is dominated by the franchise sector. Since the first UK Wimpy Bar opened in Coventry Street, London, in 1954, franchising has become a key growth avenue for businesses in the food sector. Matt Pigott looks at a handful of enterprises proffering their wares to potential franchisees...

 

BB's Coffee and Muffins

Serving freshly baked muffins and premium coffee every day is at the heart of BB's Coffee and Muffins philosophy. Yet while these products take centre stage, baguettes, sandwiches, smoothies, milkshakes and completely natural ice cream are also customer favourites.

Since BB's began operating more than ten years ago, it has grown to become one of the most prolific shopping centre café operators in the UK. With relaxed settings, good fresh produce, all at reasonable prices, BB's has carved a niche for itself, and is looking for enthusiastic franchisees to invest in their own business and, subsequently, the company's continued growth.

BB's has a number of formats to suit different locations, from outlets that seat 100 customers to smaller ones that seat 20 or less.

Franchisees benefit from full support provided by an experienced management team. This support is provided both on and off-site to ensure that franchisees succeed at making the most of their franchised outlet. Also, as a full member of the British Franchise Association, it's comforting for potential franchisees to know that BB's has met strict operational and ethical guidelines.

Initial training for franchisees takes five weeks at an approved training store, covering every aspect of running a BB's Coffee & Muffins business. Full support is also given in the areas of marketing and PR, site selection and store fit-out, operations, customer research, and health and safety - among other things. Franchisees also get refresher training courses, help with business development, and behind-the-scenes business and product development.

Minimum total Investment: £175,000
Website: www.bbscoffeeandmuffins.com
Phone: 020 8758 1234
Franchise classification: Retail management

 

Puccino's

With about 96 outlets in the UK, Puccino's has come a long way since it was founded in 1995. Initially starting out on the premise of serving good-quality coffee and supplementary food and beverage items, Puccino's has gone from having mainly concessions based at train stations and other travel locations, to having prime high street spots with seating areas and a broader menu.

Puccino's is arguably the largest family-owned coffee franchise in the UK today and will appeal to serious investors looking to buy into a brand that has a proven track record, high visibility and brand recognition, but that isn't owned by a major holding company or conglomerate.

Puccino's philosophy is centred on coffee, with ancillary products such as fresh juices, cold drinks, taps, paninis, pizza, pasta and grills boosting customer footfall and profit.

For potential franchisees, Puccino's has a number of formats to choose from including Espresso Bars, which are smaller outlets selling coffees, juices and pastries - usually sited in railway stations and city centre locations; Deli Bars, which are larger high street outlets serving, in addition to coffee and beverages, light meals and snacks; and Café Bars, which are fully licensed restaurants.

Naturally, the price varies according to size and location, but there is something to suit any budget from around £45,000 upwards.

Right now, Puccino's is looking for owner-operators with flair, ambition, and a passion for Puccino's approach to business and its products.

Minimum total Investment: £45,000+ depending on format and location
Website: www.puccinos.co.uk
Phone: 01372 744411
Franchise classification: Owner-operator/management

 

Tiffinbites

Think of Indian food and it's easy to conjure up images of vegetables and meat basted in oodles of clarified butter - or ghee as it's commonly referred to.

But in response to people's changing tastes and styles, Tiffinbites has revamped the idea of the Indian meal to include low-fat options on its menus; and it is also the first Indian restaurant chain in the UK to introduce free-range chicken exclusively to its dishes.

It's an approach that appears to be working. Having muscled into the already crowded fast-food sector, Tiffinbites has gone on to secure a £15 million market share, and intends to capitalise on this by expanding further through franchising.

Tiffinbites' other unique selling point is that it is the only brand to deliver its food in authentic Tiffin boxes - circular metal containers in which hot food is placed for transportation. This is a key element of the Tiffinbites system. The menu is also Halal certified, ensuring that it appeals to Muslim customers and increases the business's potential market penetration.

Franchisees benefit from help with site selection and negotiation of terms, plus legal support. Tiffinbites' restaurant development team will also oversee the shop fit-out and design once the site has been chosen. In addition, help with recruitment is provided. Finally, full training is given to franchisees and their staff in all aspects of running the business. Training covers everything from financial management and marketing procedures to full operations management.

 

Phat Pasty Company

Think beach cool and VW camper vans serving high-quality Cornish pasties, and you get some idea of the unique angle that Phat Pasty founder Paul Clark has taken to ensure his business stands out from the crowd. From rolling out food franchises in Poland including KFC and Taco Bell to running his own van-based business, Paul has synthesised his knowledge and experience into a memorable franchise proposition. With colourful and funky branding, attention to detail has been the mantra carrying the business forward.

But its not just externally that Phat Pasty impresses; inside the vehicle is an oven system that ensures franchisees can pitch up anywhere and sell good-quality produce freshly cooked, and there's also a refrigerator on board where sandwiches, baguettes and drinks are kept.
Typically franchisees will spend their days working routes in their own protected territory, selling pasties and drinks to the public.

From offices and industrial parks to fetes and sporting events, Phat Pasty franchisees can enjoy an unconventional working lifestyle, making an excellent income in a varied role.

Another bonus is its flexibility, both in terms of location, and in the hours worked. Franchisees that want to make a higher income can do so by working longer hours, or by developing their area into a multi-van operation and running it as a management franchise. But those looking to supplement an existing income, or fit a business into their family life, are equally able to do so.

Naturally, franchisees will need to enjoy travelling around, dealing with members of the public, selling food and running their own business. Once on board, extensive field training is given, plus support with the administration and management sides of the business.

Minimum total Investment: £22,500
Website: www.phatpasty.com
Phone: 01908 217257
Franchise classification: Owner-operator/management

 

Coffee Republic

Just recently, after operating on a company-owned basis for a decade, Coffee Republic decided that the best way to further expansion was through the development of a network made up of passionate and business-minded franchise partners. With this in mind, just two years ago, the company tweaked its coffee house concept, re-branding as Coffee Republic Deli. This subtle makeover began in the London and Heathrow areas, and proved a resounding success - since making the changes, the company's turnover has increased by more than 25 per cent.

The addition of a quality hot and cold food range means that customers have a wider choice of products to choose from than before, making Coffee Republic Deli one of the most attractive and contemporary retail propositions available in the food sector today.

For those with the right level of investment, becoming a fully operational Coffee Republic Deli franchisee takes around four to five weeks. New recruits get full assistance finding the right premises, and also benefit from a solid training package that covers all aspects of running the business. For those with higher aspirations still, opportunities exist for Regional Development Franchisees throughout the UK with each region consisting of some 25 Coffee Republic Delis to sell on to franchisees, and subsequently help develop.

Once on board, Coffee Republic Deli's operations manual covers everything from marketing and promotion to financial planning and staff recruitment. Training and attention to detail are seen as the lifeblood of a successful Coffee Republic Deli, and ongoing support and advice are always on hand to make sure a new franchisee's outlet is profitable as possible.

Minimum total Investment: £200,000
Website: www.coffeerepublic.com
Phone: 020 7033 0600
Franchise classification: Retail management

 

Cafe2U

Cafe2U launched its first van in Sydney, Australia, eight years ago. In 2005 it landed on UK shores and is now a rapidly expanding network based in Leeds. With around 30 franchisees Cafe2U, aka The Supreme Bean Machine, has taken to the road with gusto serving exceptionally high-quality coffee to the British public.

With all its franchisees barista-trained by John Skinner, a UK Barista championship judge, Cafe2U has gone to great lengths to differentiate itself from the average white van selling sub-standard produce. And by providing a mobile service selling a product that was once the preserve of high street coffee outlets, the company has proved that, with a little lateral thinking, it is possible to make substantial headway into a market previously thought to be played out.

The main advantages of a Cafe2U franchise include the relatively low level of investment needed to get up and running, low overheads, a low ongoing management fee, high visibility and low competition. In short, Cafe2U is a business that appeals to anyone looking for flexibility, mobility and affordability.

From sporting events and country conventions to school fetes and corporate days, Cafe2U franchisees can sell coffee more or less any time, anywhere. And if the UK follows the Australian trend, the company should be on target for 100 franchisees within the next three to five years.

Franchisees get full training in all aspects of running their new business, and can enjoy serving the public from expertly designed Mercedes Vito vans, equipped with top-of-the-range equipment including a high-grade commercial refrigerator, quiet diesel generator and the very best in Brasilia (one l) Espresso machines.

Minimum total Investment: £11,999
Website: www.cafe2u.co.uk
Phone: 0845 833 9992
Franchise classification: Owner-operator

 

Burger King

With the kind of brand recognition that is achieved only after years of indefatigable marketing and consistent service delivery, Burger King has positioned itself not just on many thousands of high streets throughout the world, but also, through powerful advertising campaigns, in the global consciousness.

Since 1977, when Burger King had around 2000 restaurants on three continents, the brand has continued to build, and the network has continued to grow.

Today, Burger King has 11,000 outlets in more than 60 countries, and this has been largely down to the success of its franchising strategy.

Today, choosing the right kind of franchise partner is core to Burger King's continued growth, and the company is on the lookout for people with the requisite levels of cash and enthusiasm to join the network.

New franchisees will benefit particularly from full business support including site selection with a focus on maximum returns for the proposed outlet.

The intensive training takes place both on and off site, and includes more than two months' initial training to cover technical and managerial aspects of running the business. Also included in the package is marketing support that works at local, regional, national, continental and global levels; plus operational support to ensure that the products and services at the customer-facing level conforms to rigorous standards.

Minimum total Investment:£250,000-£700,000
Website: www.burgerking.co.uk/companyinfo/franchiseopps
Phone: 0870 042 9496
Franchise classification:
Owner-operator/Management