Street Food Franchise Opportunities in the UK 2025

The UK’s street food sector continues to flourish in 2025, presenting a wealth of franchise opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs.

With lower overheads, flexible formats, and increasing consumer demand for mobile dining, street food franchises are emerging as a practical and profitable business model.

From gourmet coffee vans to globally recognised quick-service brands, the options are diverse and accessible.

This guide explores the most promising street food franchise opportunities in the UK, highlighting investment details and growth potential.

Why Street Food Franchises Are Gaining Popularity in the UK?

The UK’s street food scene has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade. Once a niche market focused on food festivals and markets, mobile catering is now a mainstream business model.

With lower start-up costs compared to traditional brick-and-mortar restaurants and the ability to reach customers directly, street food franchises are attracting a new generation of entrepreneurs.

According to recent industry reports, the mobile food industry in the UK is set to grow steadily through 2025, fuelled by changing consumer habits, an increase in outdoor events, and the popularity of global cuisine.

For investors and aspiring business owners, a street food franchise offers a scalable, flexible, and relatively low-risk entry into the food and beverage industry.

What to Look for in a Street Food Franchise in 2025?

Investing in a franchise is a significant decision. When evaluating a street food franchise, there are several key factors to consider:

Low Entry Costs and Flexible Investment

Many street food franchises require far less capital than full-service restaurants. While some require vehicles and equipment, others offer lower-cost entry points ideal for events and festivals.

Comprehensive Training and Ongoing Support

Franchise success often hinges on the quality of training and support provided. Top franchises offer one-to-one coaching, marketing tools, supply chain assistance, and operational guidance to ensure new franchisees get off the ground quickly.

Proven Business Model

Choose franchises with an established customer base, tested menus, and operational systems. This reduces your risk and improves your chances of quick profitability.

Adaptability to Current Market Trends

In 2025, consumers are increasingly seeking convenience, dietary variety (vegan, halal, gluten-free), and sustainable practices. Franchises that align with these trends are more likely to thrive in the current landscape.

Top 5 Street Food Franchise Opportunities in the UK

1. Wok to Walk – Global Giant with UK Growth Plans

Founded in 2004, Wok to Walk has emerged as a powerhouse in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) sector, with over 100 sites in 18 countries. The franchise’s presence in iconic global locations such as Times Square in New York and La Rambla in Barcelona signals its strong international brand value.

Now, with a growing footprint in the UK currently in cities like London, Bristol, Leeds, Cardiff, Coventry, and Manchester, Wok to Walk is strategically expanding to establish a nationwide presence.

Part-owned by Toridoll Holdings, a major Japanese restaurant conglomerate with over 2,000 outlets globally, the brand benefits from deep industry expertise and operational excellence. Wok to Walk’s scalable, streamlined model has been proven in the world’s most competitive food markets, making it an attractive proposition for UK-based franchisees looking for a robust and well-supported investment.

What Sets Wok to Walk Apart?

Wok to Walk’s enduring success lies in three key pillars:

Versatility: The Wok to Walk model can be deployed in a wide range of environments including high streets, shopping centres, transportation hubs, and food courts. While a traditional extraction system is required, the franchise offers adaptable energy options, such as substituting gas burners with electric wok stoves to meet location-specific requirements.
Convenience: The menu is designed for speed and customisation. Customers can create meals from a variety of Asian-inspired bases, toppings, and sauces, which are freshly cooked on the spot. The concept caters to eat-in, takeaway, delivery, and even catering orders, giving franchisees multiple revenue channels.
Optimisation: With over 20 years of operational refinement, Wok to Walk delivers a high-turnover business model capable of serving up to 140 meals an hour. Franchisees benefit from centralised marketing, streamlined logistics, technology-driven solutions, and continuous support. The CAPEX-optimised franchise package ensures a cost-efficient setup with scalable growth potential.

Financial Overview

Feature	Details
Franchise Fee	£25,000
Total Investment	From £256,000
Operating Fee	None
Advertising Fee	2%
Royalties	6%
Average Floor Space	1,250 sq ft (115 sq m)
Franchise Premises Required	No
Funding Support Available	Yes

Wok to Walk offers a globally recognised brand, a high-volume service model, and a franchise structure that is finely tuned for success. It is ideal for investors looking for a strong entry into the UK’s fast-casual dining market.

2. Chock Shop – Artisan Brownies in a Proven Event Model

Chock Shop brings a unique twist to the UK’s street food franchise market with its artisan brownie business. Using premium Belgian chocolate and luxury ingredients, Chock Shop has built a loyal customer base through its consistent presence at food festivals, artisan markets, and pop-up events.

With just £15,000 required to get started, it’s one of the most accessible franchises in this sector. The event-driven model is ideal for entrepreneurs who prefer a flexible schedule, low overheads, and immediate customer interaction.

Why Chock Shop Works?

Strong Market Demand: The UK bakery sector has seen steady growth, with consumers increasingly opting for high-quality, indulgent treats. The shift from traditional British desserts to American-style cookies, brownies, and cakes has created a clear niche that Chock Shop fills expertly. Shows like The Great British Bake Off have only added fuel to the fire, elevating the profile of handmade baked goods.
Premium Product Quality: Unlike many dessert providers, Chock Shop prides itself on never using frozen products. All brownies are freshly baked using handcrafted recipes and constant flavour innovation. The brand regularly updates its product range with new and seasonal flavours to keep its offering fresh and engaging.
Passion-Driven Culture: The brand has grown organically, rooted in a passion for baking and excellence in service. Staff are trained not just to serve but to educate and engage with customers offering flavour recommendations, samples, and insights into the product. This approach helps build repeat business and community trust.

Financial Overview

Feature	Details
Franchise Fee	£15,000
Total Investment	From £15,000
Operating Fee	Negligible
Advertising Fee	£67/month
Royalties	None
Minimum Households per Territory	5,000
Franchise Premises Required	No
Funding Support Available	Yes

Chock Shop is perfectly positioned for franchisees seeking a low-barrier entry into the food franchise sector. Its model is especially well-suited for those who enjoy working at events, engaging with customers directly, and offering a high-quality, indulgent product.

3. The Rub BBQ – Bringing Authentic Barbecue to British Streets

The Rub BBQ is a dynamic, award-winning food truck franchise focused on delivering slow-smoked, flavour-rich barbecue dishes across the UK. Founded in 2017, the brand has successfully tapped into the growing UK appetite for American-style BBQ, using locally sourced meats, house-made sauces, and indulgent sides that cater to both halal and non-halal preferences.

Whether serving street food pop-ups, weddings, private parties, or corporate functions, The Rub BBQ offers a franchise opportunity that combines food passion with mobile business flexibility.

A Franchise Built for Flexibility and Events

The Rub BBQ’s business model is tailored for people who enjoy high-energy, event-based environments. Franchisees attend festivals, street markets, and private bookings, becoming a local favourite wherever they operate. There’s no prior catering experience required just a passion for good food, strong customer service, and the willingness to be hands-on.

The franchise includes both food truck and container unit options, allowing franchisees to tailor their setup based on local opportunities and budget. This provides significant flexibility in terms of location, event access, and operating style.

Transparent and Affordable Financials

The Rub BBQ has structured its financial model to remain affordable, scalable, and transparent. The £9,995 franchise fee includes a starter package and operating licence, while the core capital investment is focused on the vehicle or container fit-out. Ongoing costs are kept simple, with fixed weekly fees for operations and marketing, avoiding percentage-based royalties in the early stages.

Franchise Cost and Details

Feature	Details
Franchise Fee	£9,995
Total Investment	From £50,000
Operating Fee	None
Advertising Fee	£50 per week
Royalties	£200 per week (initially reduced)
Minimum Households per Territory	None
Franchise Premises Required	No
Funding Support Available	Yes

Exceptional Support from Day One

Support is central to The Rub BBQ franchise experience. From your first enquiry to post-launch operations, you’re never alone. The brand offers:

One-on-one onboarding with a business planning session
On-site event shadowing to experience the model in action
Marketing support tailored to your territory
Access to national accounts built by the brand
Full operations training with comprehensive manuals
A guided launch day with hands-on help
Supply chain management for quality control

For those who want to run a food business without the overhead of premises, The Rub BBQ offers an immersive, high-quality, and well-supported street food franchise.

4. Coffee Blue – Redefining Mobile Coffee Across the UK

Coffee Blue is one of the UK’s leading mobile coffee van franchises, offering artisan-level beverages and light catering to workplaces, festivals, and events. With 14 franchise locations already established, Coffee Blue has positioned itself as a premium provider of barista-grade coffee directly to the customer’s doorstep.

Backed by parent company Vantastec Limited, a well-known name in mobile vehicle conversions, Coffee Blue offers franchisees not just a business but a complete ecosystem from vehicle build to barista training and ongoing business support.

The Mobile Coffee Opportunity

Coffee Blue caters to the increasing demand for high-quality coffee without the limitations of a fixed retail unit. Franchisees operate fully equipped mobile vans and serve freshly brewed drinks and snacks on a scheduled daily route, often visiting offices, warehouses, and events.

This B2B-focused model makes the brand stand out. Instead of competing on high streets, Coffee Blue franchisees deliver to a captive audience creating convenience for customers and a stable routine for owners.

State-of-the-Art Mobile Units

Coffee Blue’s vans are among the most advanced in the industry. Each vehicle features:

Full refrigeration and storage
Coffee machines with Fracino manufacturer warranties
Holding ovens and hygienic interiors
EPOS systems and loyalty apps for digital convenience
Custom-built interiors optimised for performance

The vans are built in-house, reducing costs and ensuring all systems meet brand standards.

Franchise Cost and Details

Feature	Details
Franchise Fee	£18,950
Total Investment	From £63,945
Operating Fee	None
Advertising Fee	None
Royalties	None
Minimum Households per Territory	5,000
Franchise Premises Required	No
Funding Support Available	Yes

Training, Support and Ongoing Growth

Coffee Blue franchisees undergo a comprehensive eight-week training programme, including:

Barista training (milk texture, espresso, latte art)
NCASS Level 3 food hygiene certification
General business and sales coaching
Food sourcing guidance and supplier connections
EPOS and accounting setup
Marketing and brand support

Franchisees also benefit from an assisted two-week launch and regular in-territory follow-ups. A bespoke marketing toolkit (email setup, SEO, social media, and seasonal content) is provided at no additional cost.

Coffee Blue is ideal for those looking for a turnkey, high-quality mobile coffee business that balances flexibility with daily consistency.

5. Really Awesome Coffee – The UK’s Largest Mobile Café Network

Really Awesome Coffee has grown rapidly to become the largest mobile café network in the UK, with over 100 operational vans across the country. Launched in Coventry in 2010, the brand offers a full-service mobile café that delivers gourmet coffee, smoothies, hot food and snacks directly to office parks, industrial estates, and event spaces.

This model helps franchisees avoid high-street competition and access an underserved market segment office workers and professionals seeking convenience without compromising on quality.

How the Business Model Works?

Franchisees operate on a daily coffee round, serving their territory at scheduled stops. These stops become routine for customers, generating loyal, repeat business throughout the week. Additionally, many franchisees enhance their income through weekend event work at markets, fairs, and private bookings.

The company’s focus on customer service, tech integration, and operational support ensures franchisees can concentrate on running their business while the brand provides the systems to support them.

Unique Features and Technology

Bespoke Coffee Vans: Developed in-house for functionality and environmental efficiency
The Really Awesome App: Notifies customers when the van is nearby and enables pre-orders
RAPoS System: Proprietary till system that tracks route performance and customer preferences
Comprehensive Launch Plan: Includes training, launch day support, and post-launch reviews

Franchise Cost and Details

Feature	Details
Franchise Fee	£20,950
Total Investment	From £75,000
Operating Fee	None
Advertising Fee	None
Royalties	£79 per week
Minimum Households per Territory	5,000
Franchise Premises Required	No
Funding Support Available	No

Training and Development

The onboarding and support process is broken down into four steps:

Initial Training Day: Overview of operations and expectations
Two Weeks at HQ: Hands-on business and barista training
Two Weeks in Territory: Field support to launch your mobile round
Ongoing Reviews: Regular visits from a Franchise Development Manager to maintain momentum

Really Awesome Coffee provides a well-balanced model of autonomy and structured support, perfect for franchisees who want to own a scalable business without the burden of a retail lease or fixed premises.

Comparison Table – UK Street Food Franchise Key Details (2025)

Franchise Name	Initial Investment	Franchise Fee	Royalties	Locations	Premises Required
Wok to Walk	£256,000	£25,000	6%	100+	No
Chock Shop	£15,000	£15,000	None	11	No
The Rub BBQ	£50,000	£9,995	£200/week	1	No
Coffee Blue	£63,945	£18,950	None	14	No
Really Awesome Coffee	£75,000	£20,950	£79/week	100	No

Is a Street Food Franchise Right for You?

Starting a food franchise requires more than capital. The ideal franchisee is:

Customer-focused and service-driven
Comfortable with mobile operations and irregular hours
Interested in food quality, hygiene, and branding
Willing to engage in local marketing and community events

Street food franchises are well-suited for individuals looking for a lifestyle business with flexible hours and hands-on involvement.

How to Get Started with a Food Truck or Mobile Franchise?

Research and Shortlist: Begin by evaluating the market and identifying the franchise that best fits your goals.
Initial Inquiry: Reach out to the franchisor and request an information pack or discovery session.
Financial Planning: Evaluate your capital, funding options, and return-on-investment timeline.
Franchise Agreement: Once you commit, you’ll sign the agreement and begin onboarding.
Training and Launch: Attend the franchise’s training sessions, receive your equipment, and plan your launch.
Marketing and Scaling: Use franchisor support to build local awareness and grow your customer base.

Future Trends in the UK Street Food Franchise Market

Sustainability: Eco-friendly packaging, electric vans, and zero-waste goals will dominate.
Digital Ordering: Apps, QR menus, and contactless payments are standard in mobile franchises.
Vegan and Allergen-Friendly Menus: Franchises that adapt to dietary trends will win new market segments.
Local Sourcing: Customers value transparency, traceability, and locally sourced ingredients.

Conclusion – Building a Future-Proof Street Food Franchise in the UK

Street food franchises represent one of the most accessible and dynamic sectors in the UK’s food and drink industry. With low capital requirements, high flexibility, and strong consumer demand, they provide a viable business path for new entrepreneurs and seasoned investors alike.

Whether you’re drawn to the global scalability of Wok to Walk or the boutique appeal of Chock Shop, the UK market offers diverse and promising opportunities in 2025. The key lies in choosing a franchise that aligns with your goals, budget, and vision for the future.