Top 3 Sandwich Franchises in the UK

The food industry is one of the franchising world’s most profitable sectors, and many ambitious entrepreneurs have seen success by investing in fast food businesses and other lucrative models. If you’d like to join the food service industry, why not consider launching a sandwich franchise unit?

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In an average year, Brits buy a combined total of around four billion sandwiches, spending more than £8 billion in the process. There are over 300,000 people employed in the sandwich sector, which sells products through retailers including Subway, Tesco, Greggs and M&S (British Sandwich Week).

Keep reading to find out more about why you should consider starting a sandwich franchise business.

Why joining a sandwich franchise is a great idea

• Demand is high - The statistics speak for themselves; most Brits love a sandwich. They’re inexpensive, they’re convenient and they come in a huge range of different varieties.

• You don’t need a big kitchen - Unlike restaurant franchise units, sandwich businesses can operate from a relatively small kitchen space. Most will be able to survive without ovens and other complicated bits of kit, so getting started is inexpensive and straightforward.

• You can choose from lots of business models - The sandwich franchise sector is home to a wide range of business formats, from shops and takeaway outlets to catering companies and mobile vans.

Franchise options

Here are three fantastic franchise opportunities, from companies with very different business models:

1. Subway

Subway has seen half a century of growth. It’s currently the largest franchise in the quick service restaurant (QSR) industry and one of the most recognisable brands in the world. It has more than 44,500 outlets across 112 countries, despite being founded in 1965 with a start-up fund of just $1,000.

• Becoming a Subway franchisee: Subway is looking for savvy entrepreneurs with a passion for the brand. You should have expertise in the market and display good time management and communication skills.

• How much you need to invest: To be accepted as a franchisee, you’ll need to be able to make a minimum investment of £85,570, but the total cost is likely to be much higher.

• What you get for your investment: Investors can take part in a two-week training course at the Subway support centre in Cambridge and access the University of Subway, the brand’s online learning platform. You can also benefit from the franchise’s 20 business development offices across the UK and Ireland, and get help in everything from site selection to marketing.

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>> Read more:

• 7 Advantages of Running a Sandwich Franchise
• The Original Fast Food: Our Top Three Sandwich Franchises
• Top 5 Sandwich Shop Franchises in the UK

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2. Jasper’s

There are several franchised sandwich stores - but how about launching a catering business?

As a Jasper’s franchisee, you can avoid renting a property in a high-profile location and save on investment costs. By the end of your first year in business, you can expect to have gained between 70 and 100 clients, which should allow you to enjoy a comfortable income.

• Becoming a Jasper’s franchisee: All Jasper’s franchisees are granted an exclusive territory and are responsible for managing day-to-day business processes, from meeting with customers to working with their employees.

• How much you need to invest: The total cost of launching a business with Jasper’s should come in at just over £140,000. You’ll need to make a minimum personal investment of £42,500 and have at least £25,000 saved as working capital to keep your business afloat in the initial stages.

• What you get for your investment: You’ll have the chance to enrol onto a 16-week pre-launch training programme covering all the major aspects of running a franchise business under the Jasper’s brand, including sales and production. Jasper’s will also help you find a great location for your commercial kitchen, negotiate rent and set up a chilled delivery vehicle. Plus, there’s ongoing support available throughout your franchise journey.

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>> Read more:

• Top 7 fast food franchises
• The Original Fast Food: Our Top Three Sandwich Franchises
• Do You Want Fries With That? Our Top 4 Burger Franchises
• Be part of the future of fast food with a One Delivery franchise
• American Burger: How To Start Your Own American Burger Restaurant
• The Yummy Truth About Running a Fast Food Franchise

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3. Cafe2U

If neither a sandwich shop nor a catering business is right for you, why not set up a mobile food van? Cafe2U takes coffee and filling snacks to its customers.

The franchise gives its investors equally profitable territories, but the harder you work, the more profit you can make. Most Cafe2U franchisees run a single-van business and, as a result, achieve a healthy work-life balance.

• Becoming a Cafe2U franchisee: Franchisees are enrolled onto the company’s four-week training programme, which takes place at the Cafe2U Academy in Yorkshire. You’ll learn about all aspects of business ownership, from barista techniques to management skills. Then, you’ll take part in pre-launch activity in your territory, before Cafe2U’s Acceleration Package gets your business off the ground in a process that would ordinarily take up to three months.

• How much you need to invest: The cost of opening a Cafe2U franchise unit is around £80,000 in total. If you have a low budget, the business may be able to help you secure finance solutions and limit your personal contribution to £15,000. Cafe2U is a flexible franchise, so you’re in charge of the hours you work. The more time and effort you put in, the higher your profits will be - your working schedule is up to you.

• What you get for your investment: In return for your investment, you’ll receive an exclusive territory licence, initial stock, uniform, a marketing pack and the chance to take part in the company’s training scheme. Cafe2U will also make sure your Mercedes-Benz Vito van is fitted to fully comply with all food safety and local government environmental health regulations. Plus, once you’re part of the network, you’ll be able to attend its regular regional and national networking events.

Find out more about running your own franchise unit

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