For many people, no trip to town is complete without dropping into a cafe for a cuppa and a slice of something delicious. So is now a great time to set up your own cafe franchise?
Join us as we investigate the latest cafe trends and explain how much it costs to set up your own cafe franchise, with advice from those who have done it...
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Recent data shows that there are around 8,000 cafe and coffee shop businesses in the UK. Franchising contributes £19.1 billion to the UK economy, with 89% of all franchised units securing profitability. That's according to the British Franchise Journal 2024, published by the British Franchise Association.
The cafe franchise market size was approximately £6.6 billion in 2024, so it's safe to say that this sector is thriving. Cafes act as social hubs, networking spaces and destinations for a host of creative activities.
No longer just a place to sit and drink tea, cafes have evolved to a new level. You probably won’t have to travel far before you find a pottery painting cafe franchise, board game cafe franchise, or play cafe franchise.
You’ll also notice mobile cafe franchises outside shopping centres and football grounds, all serving up drinks and snacks that keep customers satisfied.
In January 2025, Costa Coffee had the highest amount of outlets in the UK at over 2,600 units, with Greggs hot on their heels. Starbucks, meanwhile, had over 1,300 outlets.
There are so many cafe franchise opportunities out there that can help new franchisees to build a successful business that brings something fresh to the market.
When it comes to cafe franchise costs, every enterprise will have its own financial structures.
Muffin Break is an international bakery and café franchise, with retail outlets across the UK and Northern Ireland. Michael Johnson, franchise development executive for Muffin Break, says that becoming a franchisee with the company is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a world-renowned brand.
Once approved, a Muffin Break franchise involves a clear set of costings. A shop fit-out is approximately £200,000, plus equipment of £40,000 and an initial franchise fee of £25,000. Legal fees and estimated stamp duty are likely to cost £20,000.
Highlighting the opportunity to run your own business while optimising the value of an established brand name, Michael at Muffin Break explains, “We benefit from strong relationships with major retail landlords, allowing Muffin Break stores to open in highly desirable retail locations.”
When you find a café franchise for sale, it’s likely that the franchisor will have an established system in place for buying and setting up the franchise outlet. Finding the right franchise for your skill set and interests is key to making the business work successfully.
The Muffin Break team will design your store and project manage the entire construction programme It also supports franchisees with guidance on IP when it’s needed, on everything from marketing to product presentation.
Michael adds, “Muffin Break understands that your business means everything. Previous experience within the food industry is not a necessity, but basic management capabilities are desirable.”
Matt and Shelley Jemmerson, based in the Midlands, had their eyes set on a cafe franchise when thinking about starting a business. “We chose Muffin Break over other franchises because we specifically wanted to provide bakery and hot drink facilities”, they explain.
“We were already aware of Muffin Break as we were fans of the Derby Westfield store. We were really impressed with Muffin Break as customers, so when there was an opportunity to own one ourselves we jumped at the chance.”
Typically, each franchisor will have a targeted programme of support for their franchisees. Muffin Break is no exception, with expert teams delivering onsite training covering all aspects of a bakery café franchise.
You can expect training to include marketing skills, operational insights and how to get the most out of employees within the franchise.
“Muffin Break franchisees have a team they can call on to help them achieve their ambitions and craft a successful business,” explains Michael.
In addition, the franchisee gains extra training into customising their marketing campaigns to capitalise on local opportunities that ensure they are making the most of their networks.
Franchisee Hamid Qayyum, who has seven stores across Kent and Essex, invested in his first Muffin Break in 2012. He says, “I’ve never looked back since. The continual operational support has enabled me to grow my business rapidly and expand.”
Franchising enables people who want to run their own business, with the support of experts, to grow and make it their own.
Having that space while receiving targeted training and ongoing support can help people move their business on to a new, exciting place.
Richard and Rosie McLucas run a Muffin Break franchise in Scotland. They visited friends in Australia a number of years ago and enjoyed relaxing at a local Muffin Break outlet.
“We knew immediately that we wanted to invest in the franchise,” says Richard. “What attracted us was the freshness of the food and excellent customer service.”
Together with the Muffin Break team, Richard and Rosie have built a successful franchise in the St Enoch Centre in Glasgow. “It’s been an unforgettable experience and we’re enjoying every minute of the journey,” adds Rosie.
Fellow franchisee Craig Free has grown his business to ten nationwide stores. “I invested in my first Muffin Break store in Dundee eight years ago,” he explains. “My hard work and commitment, coupled with the strength of the fresh food choice, luxury coffee and contemporary shop design, is what has allowed me to expand.”
Research before you commit is the number one piece of advice shared by both franchisors and franchisees.
Ultimately, experienced café franchisees say that being brave and preparing yourself for setbacks will help in the long run. There may be one or two obstacles before you hit profitability, but it’s important to keep going and focus on your business objectives.
If you're interested in buying a cafe franchise, browse our wide range of franchise opportunities. You can also browse bakery franchises, coffee franchises, pizza franchises and restaurant franchises.
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