The UK’s appetite for food franchises continues to grow

In a dynamic and competitive landscape, food remains one of the most reliable sectors for aspiring franchisees. Whether it’s healthy eating on the go, bold comfort food, or reinventing nostalgic favourites, today’s food franchises are combining strong branding with smart formats and operational simplicity. Four standout brands – Wok to Walk, Fat Phill’s, Sojubar, and Spud Bros Express – are proving that food franchising is still cooking with gas.

Street Food Goes Mainstream – Wok to Walk

Born from the spirit of global street food and inspired by Asian culinary theatre, Wok to Walk has become a global phenomenon with its sizzling, made-to-order stir fries. This brand brings the energy of open-kitchen cooking into a fast-casual setting, offering customers a fully customisable menu of noodles, rice, sauces, and toppings, all prepared fresh in front of them.

With more than 100 restaurants worldwide, Wok to Walk has crafted a strong visual identity, making it instantly recognisable in high streets and travel hubs alike. Franchisees benefit from a robust and proven model with centralised marketing, training support, and efficient supply chains. Thanks to its scalable operations and compact footprint, it’s ideal for both experienced hospitality investors and first-time franchisees looking to tap into a reliable, international brand.

Comfort with a Kick – Fat Phill’s

Bold, brash, and deliciously indulgent, Fat Phill’s is making waves in the UK’s fast-casual dining scene. Serving up stacked burgers, loaded fries, and thick, unapologetic milkshakes, it delivers the kind of larger-than-life experience that resonates with younger audiences and social media-savvy customers.

The brand thrives in urban settings, where its American-style menu and streetwise aesthetic draw in loyal Gen Z and Millennial crowds. Fat Phill’s franchise model is built for flexibility with dine-in, takeaway, and delivery options designed to suit a variety of locations and budgets. Fast setup times and a low operational burden make it an attractive option for entrepreneurs ready to capitalise on the booming comfort food market. With its bold branding and commitment to “big flavour,” Fat Phill’s stands out from the crowd.

Clean Eating on the Go – Sojubar

As consumers become more mindful of what they eat, there’s a growing demand for clean, protein-rich, plant-based meals. Enter Sojubar, the health-focused franchise brand offering tofu-based bowls, smoothies, and snacks designed to fuel an active lifestyle.

Sojubar’s minimal waste, compact store designs, and sustainability-focused ethos align perfectly with modern consumer values. Its use of eco-friendly packaging and fresh, ethically sourced ingredients appeals to wellness-conscious customers and environmentally aware communities. For franchisees, the appeal lies in low overheads, streamlined operations, and access to a booming health food market. With strong potential in suburban areas, university towns, and fitness-focused environments, Sojubar is poised for steady and scalable growth.

The Spud Reimagined – Spud Bros Express

The humble baked potato gets a gourmet upgrade with Spud Bros Express, a brand that’s turning British comfort food into a fast-casual favourite. Offering a creative menu of loaded spuds topped with everything from pulled beef and spicy chilli to vegan-friendly alternatives, Spud Bros delivers familiar flavours in a modern, accessible format.

This concept works brilliantly in shopping centres, event spaces, and food courts—anywhere with high footfall and a demand for fast, satisfying meals. With its affordable investment level, it’s a great starting point for first-time franchisees. The brand’s combination of comfort, speed, and a unique offering makes it well-positioned to thrive in both dine-in and delivery formats.

Food Franchising: Where Innovation Meets Reliability

What these four food franchise brands have in common is more than just great food. They offer strategic, scalable models that are built for today’s consumer landscape. They represent the broad spectrum of food franchising in the UK: from indulgent to health-focused, from international to locally inspired. Each one has carved out a clear niche with a strong visual identity, robust operational systems, and franchisee support baked in.

With consumers craving convenience, bold flavours, and healthier options, the food sector remains resilient and ever-evolving. For entrepreneurs considering the leap into franchising, there’s never been a better time to explore these exciting opportunities.

Explore more opportunities in the food franchise sector and discover how to become part of the next big success story.