Tea Store Franchises in the UK

The British are renowned across the world for their love of tea, so much so that it is thought that 165 million cups of tea are consumed every day in the UK alone. With more than 1,500 varieties of Camellia sinensis, the plant from which tea is derived, the tea break has been a key part day for the quintessential Brit for over 200 years.

When looking for a decent cuppa, many people head to the staples of the British high street, purchasing their favourite beverage from the likes of Costa, Starbucks or Café Nero, but there are plenty of other lucrative tea store opportunities for would-be franchisees to reap the rewards of Britain’s tea obsession.

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Tea Store London

Where better to open up your own tea store franchise than the capital? With the success of your café or tearoom almost guaranteed, you can build on an established and recognised brand to attract thirsty customers to your franchise.

Of course, opening a franchise in London does not come without its difficulties, and there is bound to be competition with neighbouring food and drink outlets. But with a population of over nine million, London has no shortage of locals looking for the destination of their next tea break.

Tea Store Franchises

Point Franchise has a range of different tea store franchises available, from famous American brands to Asian-inspired bubble tea outlets.

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Here are a few to consider:

Esquires Coffee

Founded in Canada in 1993 and launched in the UK and Europe in 2000, Esquires Coffee is an internationally recognised brand and manages more than 50 outlets in the UK and Ireland alone.

With a total turnover of £8.9 billion, Esquires Coffee has developed a brand that is not only financially successful, but that also cares deeply about its customers and its ‘community ethos’. In fact, it was ranked as the UK’s second most ethical coffee company and the UK’s top coffee franchise (Elite Franchise) in 2017.

Prospective franchisees should be willing to invest around £250,000 in property agency fees, store design and fit-out, furniture and equipment, plus £22,000 in franchisee fees. Esquires Coffee outlets could be located in anything from kiosks or stands in busy commercial areas to 2,000 square foot cafés spread over two floors.

Franchisees will receive extensive training, as well as support in site selection and procurement, store design, lease negotiation and marketing. The ideal Esquires Coffee franchisee is a hard-working team player with a proven track record, in addition to a passion for franchising and succeeding in business.

Dunkin’ Donuts

With over 11,000 outlets across 31 countries, Dunkin’ Donuts has racked up almost 70 years of experience in the food and drink industry, and almost 120 years of combined franchising experience. Serving over five million customers every day, the company bases its head office in Massachusetts, USA, where the company began its journey.

While specific figures regarding capital needed to invest are not currently available, franchisees should be prepared to join a very successful brand. Those interested should have extensive experience in negotiating and the ability to invest in at least 20 Dunkin’ Donuts outlets in an established period of time. Franchisees across the globe can rely on support in the form of a concept portfolio with the recognisable Dunkin’ Donuts branding in order to consistently expand the company, as well as access to world-class tools and resources.

Mooboo

Founded in 2012, Mooboo is a leading bubble tea brand, offering a range of more than 70 different-flavoured teas, including savoury teas, fruit teas, milk teas, fresh teas and mocktails.

With an average turnover of £79,000 and a social media following of more than 27,500, Mooboo is an up-and-coming brand that caters for every taste.

Franchisees will need to initially invest at least £39,950, which covers franchisee fees, license fees, start-up costs and inventory, as well as a yearly fee of £30,000. Those who invest will gain support from an extensive training programme, which provides further insight into product knowledge, business operations, marketing and IT.

A lease contract of at least 15 years will be renewable after approval, and, if the brand model is adhered to, franchisees can rely on an approximate yearly income of £79,000.

Bubbleology

Another bubble tea company is Bubbleology, which also offers a range of hot and cold drinks. Launched in London in 2011, Bubbleology builds on the previous success of bubble tea when it was introduced to New York.

Bubbleology customers can feel good about their purchase too, as the company is dedicated to donating money to international programmes that help to build wells in Africa.

Future franchisees will benefit from regular visits to the Bubbleology headquarters in London to learn more about the brand’s regulations and practices. While comprehensive training programmes will provide franchisees with the necessary skills and know-how to build their franchise, industry experience and market knowledge is required, as well as an investment of about £120,000.

English Tea Store

Those looking for a truly British experience need look no further than CREAMS British Luxury. This company owns four stores across the UK, and offers a unique dining experience, allowing customers a taste of life in the 1900s.

Customers can step into the sophisticated surroundings of a CREAMS British Luxury store and enjoy afternoon tea, cakes and patisserie items. Marble tables, crystal chandeliers and live music played on a grand piano make for a relaxing and sophisticated atmosphere. CREAMS British Luxury also sells items to take away or gift to others, including macaroons, chocolate, tea and coffee, and even cutlery and crockery.

Franchisees should be willing to invest £100,000 - £120,000 when starting their own franchise. For a fee of £7,500 - £15,000, they will give franchisees access to the training scheme and the CREAMS package, which includes a list of food suppliers, the CREAMS menu including ingredients and prices, a marketing package with leaflets, posts and signage. It also comes with an extensive manual that details staff training, food preparation, rules, cleaning and best practices.