Top 4 High Investment Franchises in the UK
Alice Tuffery, writer
Published at 02/03/2018, Updated on 04/05/2022 , Reading time: 5 min
From low-cost opportunities under £5,000 to high investment franchise packages priced at over £500,000, there’s something to suit all budgets in the franchising world. But before you commit, you should make sure you find the right franchise for your skills, lifestyle and goals. Here are some of the best investments for people with deep pockets.
High investment franchise opportunities usually give entrepreneurs access to a high-profile brand name and comprehensive business support. Because the biggest companies out there have been able to develop impressive levels of customer awareness and high-quality franchisee induction and mentoring schemes, they can command significant investment prices.
Why join a high investment franchise?
Anyone who chooses to join a high investment franchise can become part of a business with significant brand awareness, buying power and expertise. For instance, a Dunkin’ Donuts outlet has more chance of attracting customers and becoming highly profitable than a new, independent bakery business because the odds are already in its favour.
However, high investment franchises do come with some risk. They are best suited to experienced entrepreneurs with enough funds not only to cover the initial business start-up cost, but also working capital as the unit becomes established.
Also, more prominent and expensive brands tend to be associated with lengthy contract terms. While the majority of agreements cover a five-year period, the capital you put into a high investment franchise may be tied up for 10 or even 20 years.
Franchise options with big price tags
The franchise industry is known for its restaurant chains, so it’s no surprise some of the most expensive opportunities are with food brands. In fact, all four of our top high investment franchises are restaurants.
>> Read more:
- 4 Reasons Why Investing in a Franchise Is Worth It
- To Invest in a Franchise or Start Your Own Business, That Is The Question.
- Making your mind up: Top 5 things to consider before you invest in a franchise
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Las Iguanas
Las Iguanas’s casual dining concept offers an authentic taste of Mexico, Peru, Brazil and Argentina. Across the brand’s UK network of 55 restaurants, customers can choose from various dishes and tapas options made by hand and with fresh ingredients.
- Becoming a Las Iguanas franchisee: By joining this renowned franchise, you’ll be able to serve your customers delicious food in a laid-back atmosphere. You’ll also offer a menu of premium cocktails, which can be bought with a two-for-one discount on ‘Happy Days’. And customers with a sweet-tooth will love your South-American-inspired dessert menu, including Churros and a Dulce de Leche Macadamia Cheesecake.
- How much you need to invest: It takes a total investment of £700,000 + VAT to get a Las Iguanas restaurant off the ground.
- What you get for your investment: Franchisees can rest assured they will be supported as they launch their business. There’s a training scheme, an online operations portal and ongoing quarterly business reviews.
Café Rouge
Café Rouge is another exciting franchise looking for investors in the UK. The French casual dining brand has established more than 90 sites across the country and, since it was founded in 1989, has become a firm favourite among many UK diners. Café Rouge covers every meal of the day, from tasty brunches and light lunches to decadent dinners and even afternoon teas for special occasions.
- Becoming a Café Rouge franchisee: To qualify, you’ll need experience of running a casual dining outlet, preferably with a practical understanding of business growth in Europe.
- How much you need to invest: Like Las Iguanas restaurants, Cafe Rouge eateries cost a total of £700,000 +VAT to set up.
- What you get for your investment: You’ll be supported by the franchise team every step of the way. The franchise package includes state-of-the-art systems and bi-annual menu updates.
Dunkin’ Donuts
Specialising in coffee and doughnuts, this franchise serves over five million customers a day and sells over 30 cups of coffee per second.
The business was launched in 1950 by Bill Rosenburg, who opened his first shop in Massachusetts. Since then, Dunkin’ Donuts has established a network of over 11,000 stores across 31 countries. It’s also racked up almost 70 years of industry experience and 120 years of combined franchising experience.
- Becoming a Dunkin’ Donuts franchisee: You’ll need experience in the food and drinks industry to join the franchise. You should also be prepared to develop a business portfolio and open at least 20 restaurants over a given time period.
- How much you need to invest: This franchise has fans all over the world and a high-quality franchisee support system. So, you’ll need to have around £1.2 million in liquid assets, and a net worth of £2.3 million to become a Dunkin’ Donuts investor.
- What you get for your investment: Once you’re on board, the franchise will provide you with the rights to use its internationally recognisable branding and world-class tools and resources. This means you’ll be able to attract customers to your business and offer them the same positive experience they would expect to find at any Dunkin’ Donuts outlet.
Bella Italia
With a recognisable image and more than 40 years of industry experience, Bella Italia is a hugely popular brand among consumers and entrepreneurs alike.
- Becoming a Bella Italia franchisee: To be accepted onto the franchise programme, you should have a good network of contacts and a strong track record in the food and drink industry.
- How much you need to invest: You must be able to put £700,000 towards your new business.
- What you get for your investment: Franchisees can rely on access to an operations portal and a comprehensive training package to help them develop an efficient business. The franchise also provides a dedicated support team to monitor franchisees throughout their investment journey.
>> Read more:
- Thinking About Investing in a Franchise? Here's What You Should Keep Top of Mind
- How to Avoid Going Broke by Investing in a Franchise
- 10 Pros and Cons of Investing in an Established Franchise
- Ready to Invest in Your Future? 5 Reasons Why Investing in a Franchise Makes Solid Business Sense
Become a franchisee with a high investment franchise
If you’re interested in starting a franchise unit with impressive brand awareness, why not take a look at the high investment franchise opportunities currently on the market? Running your own business with a model proven to work time and time again gives you security and reassurance as you launch your unit.
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Alice Tuffery, writer