What are the best fast food franchises for sale in the UK in 2025?
Investing in a fast food franchise in the UK offers a promising opportunity to enter a thriving market with established brand recognition and support systems. The UK’s fast food industry has seen significant growth, with a diverse range of franchises available for prospective investors. This review explores some of the best fast food franchises currently for sale in the UK, providing insights into their offerings, investment requirements, and market positions.
1. Domino’s Pizza
Domino’s Pizza Group plc is a well-established master franchise of the international fast food pizza delivery chain in the UK. With a strong presence and brand recognition, Domino’s offers a robust support system for its franchisees, including assistance with site selection, training, and marketing. The initial investment for a Domino’s franchise is approximately £280,000, which covers the franchise fee, equipment, and initial stock. Franchisees benefit from the company’s central commissary system, which supplies dough and other ingredients, ensuring consistency across all outlets. Domino’s has also been at the forefront of digital innovation, offering online ordering platforms and mobile apps to enhance customer convenience.
2. Subway
Subway is a globally recognized sandwich franchise with over 43,000 stores in more than 110 countries. In the UK, Subway has a substantial presence and continues to seek entrepreneurs passionate about delivering fresh, customizable sandwiches to customers. The investment for a Subway franchise varies depending on location and store format, with options for traditional and non-traditional sites. Subway offers support in site selection, training, and marketing, and has financial partners to assist with funding, potentially covering up to 70% of the investment cost for qualified candidates.
3. Auntie Anne’s
Auntie Anne’s is the world’s largest soft pretzel brand, known for its handcrafted, freshly baked products. The franchise operates in prominent retail locations with high footfall, such as shopping centers and transportation hubs. The total investment for an Auntie Anne’s franchise ranges from £145,000 to £200,000+, with a minimum personal capital requirement of £45,000 to £80,000. The company provides comprehensive support, including site selection, training, and ongoing operational assistance.
4. Chop Wok Express
Chop Wok is a fast-casual East Asian dining franchise offering a diverse menu of stir-fries, noodles, and rice dishes. The franchise focuses on providing quick, healthy, and flavorful meals, catering to the growing demand for convenient yet nutritious dining options. The franchise fee is £15,000, with the total investment varying based on location and store size. Chop Wok Express Franchise offers support in site selection, training, and marketing to ensure franchisee success.
5. The Fat Pizza
The Fat Pizza is one of the UK’s fastest-growing pizza delivery operations, offering a diverse menu with a focus on quality and customer satisfaction. The franchise operates on a delivery-only model, reducing overhead costs associated with dine-in facilities. The initial investment for a Fat Pizza franchise starts at £12,000, making it an accessible option for entrepreneurs looking to enter the fast food industry. The company provides comprehensive training, marketing support, and access to established supply chains.
6. Wingstop
Wingstop is a fast-growing chicken wing franchise that has gained significant popularity in the UK since its introduction in 2018. Known for its energetic, youth-oriented atmosphere and a menu featuring a variety of flavored chicken wings, Wingstop has expanded to 57 locations with over 2,500 employees. The franchise has plans to grow to 200 locations across the UK within five years, indicating a strong growth trajectory. While specific investment details are not publicly disclosed, Wingstop’s rapid expansion and brand appeal make it a compelling option for potential franchisees.
7. Five Guys
Five Guys is a fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in gourmet hot dogs, hamburgers, and French fries. The brand emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients and a customizable menu, which has contributed to its strong following. In the UK, Five Guys restaurants are typically located in retail shopping centers and urban areas with high foot traffic. While specific investment details are not publicly disclosed, Five Guys’ established brand and focus on quality make it an attractive option for potential franchisees.
8. Harry Ramsden’s
Harry Ramsden’s is a fast-food restaurant chain from the UK that focuses on selling the country’s most famous fare – fish and chips. With 40 franchise units in the UK, the brand offers a traditional British dining experience. The investment for a Harry Ramsden’s franchise varies depending on location and store size. The company provides support in site selection, training, and marketing to ensure franchisee success.
9. Nando’s
Nando’s is an international restaurant chain known for its peri-peri chicken. Established in South Africa in 1987, Nando’s has over 1,000 restaurants in 35 countries, with more than 400 locations in the UK. The brand’s focus on flavorful, flame-grilled chicken has made it a popular dining destination. While Nando’s does not currently offer franchising opportunities in the UK, its success highlights the potential of fast-casual dining concepts in the market.
10. Zizzi
Zizzi is a popular restaurant chain in the UK offering Italian-inspired cuisine. With more than 140 restaurants across the UK, Zizzi is known for its signature Rustica pizzas and a variety of pasta dishes. While specific franchising opportunities are not publicly disclosed, Zizzi’s established brand and focus on quality make