Best non UK food franchise?
Discussion
OP - what about something like Cold Stone (link here)? According to their franchising page they don't have any stores in the UK yet.
It might be an option worth pursuing and, IMO, they do some of the best ice cream ever.
BertieW
It might be an option worth pursuing and, IMO, they do some of the best ice cream ever.
BertieW
BertieWooster said:
OP - what about something like Cold Stone (link here)? According to their franchising page they don't have any stores in the UK yet.
It might be an option worth pursuing and, IMO, they do some of the best ice cream ever.
BertieW
Would rather have the gelato from proper ice cream parlours then b&j style sugary based crap.It might be an option worth pursuing and, IMO, they do some of the best ice cream ever.
BertieW
I wonder if someone can turn a gbk into a fast food place
Nordsee
http://www.international.nordsee.com/en/
They're all over Europe and especially Germany, but not in the UK as far as I know and nothing like them is either, and I don't know why not. They sell fried and fresh fish sandwiches (like Filet O Fish but several varieties and much better ... also nicer and better value than the stuff you get in places like Borough Market). Also these really popular "mix boxes" of a few scampi and fish nuggets and chips etc complete with cocktail and tartare sauce in little ice cream cone containers. They are invariably in tiny plots, designed to be eaten as you go.
If I was looking to set up a whole new chain rather than franchising an existing brand I would do some sort of *really good* self serve salad bar like you get in Scandinavian supermarkets i.e. with decent pasta, chicken, prawn stuff in it as well. But definitely self-serve not the hassle of trying to explain to someone in Tossed what you want. Unfortunately in this country you might need too many staff, to stop the chavs nicking everything or sneezing into it.
http://www.international.nordsee.com/en/
They're all over Europe and especially Germany, but not in the UK as far as I know and nothing like them is either, and I don't know why not. They sell fried and fresh fish sandwiches (like Filet O Fish but several varieties and much better ... also nicer and better value than the stuff you get in places like Borough Market). Also these really popular "mix boxes" of a few scampi and fish nuggets and chips etc complete with cocktail and tartare sauce in little ice cream cone containers. They are invariably in tiny plots, designed to be eaten as you go.
If I was looking to set up a whole new chain rather than franchising an existing brand I would do some sort of *really good* self serve salad bar like you get in Scandinavian supermarkets i.e. with decent pasta, chicken, prawn stuff in it as well. But definitely self-serve not the hassle of trying to explain to someone in Tossed what you want. Unfortunately in this country you might need too many staff, to stop the chavs nicking everything or sneezing into it.
About 15 years ago there was a Nordsee in Maidstone Kent. I dont know if they opened other shops but it shut after about 2 years. Great food but the fish was not slathered in batter and grease so didn't survive in Maidstone. Probably not the right town for it to work in. Sadly its more a Mc Donalds and Kfc type town.
Edited by mdw on Sunday 30th March 21:32
Edited by mdw on Sunday 30th March 21:34
Chipotle has been over for about two years and is steadily expanding. It has been (and is) easily replicated (cf Benito's Hat, 1884 et. al) so it is probably late to get in there. They satisfy the healthier eating movement so the timing has been right. Not sure how more trash would fit into the market right now. Taco Bell was tried in the late 80s / early 90s but it didn't take hold. It is really low quality and I just don't think it would work right now.
As for Cheesecake Factory - they were looking at a Fulham broadway location but it fell through (AIUI)
As for Cheesecake Factory - they were looking at a Fulham broadway location but it fell through (AIUI)
Edited by 15peter20 on Sunday 30th March 23:43
fiatpower said:
anonymous said:
[redacted]
Oh I agree with that! I went to the one on pier 39 in San Francisco and thought it was great.I wasn't impressed by the Taco Bell I had, was pretty nasty tbh.
kev1974 said:
Nordsee
http://www.international.nordsee.com/en/
They're all over Europe and especially Germany, but not in the UK as far as I know and nothing like them is either, and I don't know why not. They sell fried and fresh fish sandwiches (like Filet O Fish but several varieties and much better ... also nicer and better value than the stuff you get in places like Borough Market). Also these really popular "mix boxes" of a few scampi and fish nuggets and chips etc complete with cocktail and tartare sauce in little ice cream cone containers. They are invariably in tiny plots, designed to be eaten as you go.
If I was looking to set up a whole new chain rather than franchising an existing brand I would do some sort of *really good* self serve salad bar like you get in Scandinavian supermarkets i.e. with decent pasta, chicken, prawn stuff in it as well. But definitely self-serve not the hassle of trying to explain to someone in Tossed what you want. Unfortunately in this country you might need too many staff, to stop the chavs nicking everything or sneezing into it.
Was one in Bromley for years while I was growing up, a mate from School dad ran it/the franchise, sadly gone for many years now.http://www.international.nordsee.com/en/
They're all over Europe and especially Germany, but not in the UK as far as I know and nothing like them is either, and I don't know why not. They sell fried and fresh fish sandwiches (like Filet O Fish but several varieties and much better ... also nicer and better value than the stuff you get in places like Borough Market). Also these really popular "mix boxes" of a few scampi and fish nuggets and chips etc complete with cocktail and tartare sauce in little ice cream cone containers. They are invariably in tiny plots, designed to be eaten as you go.
If I was looking to set up a whole new chain rather than franchising an existing brand I would do some sort of *really good* self serve salad bar like you get in Scandinavian supermarkets i.e. with decent pasta, chicken, prawn stuff in it as well. But definitely self-serve not the hassle of trying to explain to someone in Tossed what you want. Unfortunately in this country you might need too many staff, to stop the chavs nicking everything or sneezing into it.
Du1point8 said:
fiatpower said:
anonymous said:
[redacted]
Oh I agree with that! I went to the one on pier 39 in San Francisco and thought it was great.I wasn't impressed by the Taco Bell I had, was pretty nasty tbh.
I spent some time working for a US group looking at the introduction of franchised outlets to a UK network of fully owned activities a few years back. As part of this I looked at quite a few models in the UK/US franchise scene. The number of potential franchise opportunities is boggling, equally so is how quickly some of them come and go.
The first point you have ticked, the type of activity you want to trade in. Within the food & drink sector the range of investment opportunities is very wide, you could be in business with a £10k start-up or a £1m start-up, having a clear business plan as to what level of investment you want to get into will narrow the field.
There are umpteen franchise events around the UK every year, it's a good idea to take yourself along. Businesses with established franchise networks may have limited geographic opportunities, a brand new to the market might have a virtually blank map. Some non UK franchisors use these events to take soundings on the potential receptiveness of their model.
If you latch on to options that are interesting for you my advice would be to meet with established franchisees, most will be happy to share their good and bad experiences. Beware new start-ups where the fee structure is front end loaded, some models are more focussed on short term gain than a long term partnership with their franchisees.
Finally, look carefully at the value that the franchise offers. You are paying for the brand, central support, the business processes and methodology. In addition there can be value from being able to source stock at lower unit costs compared with independent businesses. It never ceased to amaze me how little some franchisors offer their franchisees, just take a step back and have a real good look at the on-boarding cost and the ongoing fee compared with starting a non-franchised business in the same field.
You will of course know that the new business failure rate for franchisees is lower than that for non-franchisees, also access to funding, although not easy, will be easier for a franchisee. All good news. Think about your exit plan, that my be furthest from your mind when you are setting out, and check that contract very very carefully, there are a few offerings out there that may be akin to being in a pact with the devil. Exit is just as important as entry!
Good luck with your search.
The first point you have ticked, the type of activity you want to trade in. Within the food & drink sector the range of investment opportunities is very wide, you could be in business with a £10k start-up or a £1m start-up, having a clear business plan as to what level of investment you want to get into will narrow the field.
There are umpteen franchise events around the UK every year, it's a good idea to take yourself along. Businesses with established franchise networks may have limited geographic opportunities, a brand new to the market might have a virtually blank map. Some non UK franchisors use these events to take soundings on the potential receptiveness of their model.
If you latch on to options that are interesting for you my advice would be to meet with established franchisees, most will be happy to share their good and bad experiences. Beware new start-ups where the fee structure is front end loaded, some models are more focussed on short term gain than a long term partnership with their franchisees.
Finally, look carefully at the value that the franchise offers. You are paying for the brand, central support, the business processes and methodology. In addition there can be value from being able to source stock at lower unit costs compared with independent businesses. It never ceased to amaze me how little some franchisors offer their franchisees, just take a step back and have a real good look at the on-boarding cost and the ongoing fee compared with starting a non-franchised business in the same field.
You will of course know that the new business failure rate for franchisees is lower than that for non-franchisees, also access to funding, although not easy, will be easier for a franchisee. All good news. Think about your exit plan, that my be furthest from your mind when you are setting out, and check that contract very very carefully, there are a few offerings out there that may be akin to being in a pact with the devil. Exit is just as important as entry!
Good luck with your search.
Edited by Keep it stiff on Friday 4th April 22:42
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