Franchising details
Spud Bros Express is a quick-service restaurant franchise that reinvents the traditional baked potato with a contemporary flair. Since 1955, it has been delighting customers in Preston by serving loaded spuds from the UK’s very first food tram. Today, the brand thrives in the digital space, boasting a following of over five million online fans.
Its menu includes gourmet-topped baked potatoes, sides, and beverages, all available for dining in, takeaway, or delivery. Every item on the menu is halal.
With a cost-effective business model and versatile location options—including the ability to operate without extraction systems—the franchise presents an appealing opportunity for driven entrepreneurs. Its scalable concept, catering to an underserved market, provides an ideal foundation for expansion.
Spud Bros Express’ fully customizable loaded baked potatoes offer a fresh alternative to traditional fast-food choices like burgers, pizzas, and sandwiches. The brand’s team highlights that its combination of a diverse menu, high-quality ingredients, and efficient operations creates a quick-service dining experience that keeps customers coming back.
WHY SPUD BROS EXPRESS?
Simple & Scalable Business Model – With a focused menu and efficient operations, Spud Bros Express keeps costs low while maximizing profitability.
No Need for Expensive Extraction Systems – Unlike many fast-food brands, Spud Bros Express kitchens don’t require costly extraction systems, allowing for more flexible location choices.
Proven Success & Growth – As part of the Taster brand portfolio, Spud Bros Express benefits from the experience and strength of an international franchise network with hundreds of successful franchisees.
Award-Winning Reputation – Recognized at the High Street Heroes Awards in July 2024, the brand proudly secured three accolades, including the prestigious Customer Service Star – Retail award.
Committed to the Community – Beyond serving delicious food, Spud Bros Express is a brand with a purpose, having raised over £21,000 for charity to support the communities it serves.
FROM VIEWS TO QUEUES
We don’t wait for the customers to find us – we bring them to the door before it’s even open.
OUR IMPACT IN NUMBERS
- 5M+ Followers across Spud Bros platforms
- 30M TikTok views every week on average
- 5% Weekly follower growth rate
- 300+ Orders per day since the launch of our Soho store
- 136K Google Maps searches of the Soho store in 5 months
- 1-2 Tonnes of potatoes baked each week in Soho
The Spud Bros online platform, together with user-generated content and mainstream media, produces queues of eager customers — converting viral demand into real sales.
A COMPELLING BUSINESS MODEL WITH STRONG RETURNS
Spud Bros Express offers a low capital expenditure model, with total cash flow investment starting at just £60,000 and reaching up to £100,000. The brand’s existing locations process between 150 and 400 orders daily, excluding deliveries, and a well-managed store has the potential to recover the initial investment within the first year.
For those interested in expanding the brand, the franchisor is open to territorial franchise agreements in specific regions across the UK, with exclusive incentives available for qualified investors. Additionally, financing options are accessible through third-party lenders, including high street banks and asset finance providers, making it easier for entrepreneurs to get started.
Investment Breakdown
- Franchise fee: £10,000
- Set-up costs: £50,000–90,000
- Royalty fee: 6%
- Marketing contribution: 4% (includes all national and local marketing, including digital and influencers)
Break-even timeline
12–24 months
Franchise costs and details
Desired location
Location Requirements
- Ideal store size: 800–1600 sq ft.
- Prime location in areas of high footfall.
- No commercial extraction necessary.
- Flexible model that adapts to different store sizes and formats.
- Single and multi-unit opportunities available.
Training and support
SETTING YOU UP FOR SUCCESS FROM DAY ONE
The franchise team at Taster has successfully scaled more than 10 brands to over 140 locations (and counting!) across the UK, France, Belgium, The Netherlands, and Luxembourg. We offer a comprehensive support package to get you off the ground running.
✅ Full onboarding and training
✅ Dedicated account manager
✅ Regular operational audits
✅ Regular hygiene audits
✅ Marketing campaigns and influencer activations
✅ Content creator support from Spud Bros and Spud Bros Express
✅ Standardised procurement and tech integrations
✅ Recruiting support for staff
