Fast Food Franchises for Sale

A guide to fast food franchises

Fast food franchises remain one of the most popular and accessible routes into business ownership in the UK, spanning everything from global burger giants to independent-spirit street food concepts. With 31 opportunities listed on FindMyFranchise, there is genuinely something for every budget and ambition — investment levels range from as little as £400 right through to £800,000. Whether you are looking for a compact delivery-only model or a full high-street restaurant, the fast food sector offers a remarkable breadth of choice.

How much does a fast food franchise cost?

The investment required varies enormously depending on the model, the brand, and the premises involved. Above is a broad breakdown of the opportunities currently available, grouped by typical investment level.

• Under £25,000 — entry-level and digital-first models: The most affordable entry points include Peckwater Brands (£400), a virtual brand concept designed for dark kitchens, Coffee-Bike (£12,490), a mobile coffee and snacks operation, and Bek’s (£18,000), offering a lower-cost route into fast food retail.
• £50,000–£100,000 — established mid-range brands: This band includes well-known names such as McDonald’s UK (£85,000), Southern Fried Chicken (£60,000), Awesome Chips (£50,000), Dum Dum Donutterie (£60,000), Pizza Time (£80,000), and a cluster of brands at the £100,000 mark including German Doner Kebab, Papa John’s, Camile Thai Kitchen, Wok&Go, and Koku Shi.
• £101,500–£215,000 — premium high-street concepts: Brands in this range include Subway (£101,500), Rooster Shack (£120,000), Burger & Sauce (£150,000), Chicken Cottage (£150,000), URBAN Fresh Burgers & Fries (£175,000), Donor Shack (£200,000), Monterey Jack’s (£200,000), and KOKORO (£215,000).
• £255,000–£800,000 — large-format and flagship investments: At the top end sit Yakinori (£255,000), Creams (£285,000), Mary Brown’s Chicken (£350,000), and the globally recognised Burger King (£800,000).

Types of fast food franchise

• Burgers and American-style fast food: One of the most competitive and consumer-favourite categories, represented by brands such as Burger King, Burger & Sauce, Monterey Jack’s, and URBAN Fresh Burgers & Fries.
• Chicken and fried food specialists: A strong sub-sector in the UK, including Southern Fried Chicken, Favorite Fried Chicken, Rooster Shack, Chicken Cottage, and Mary Brown’s Chicken.
• Asian and world cuisine concepts: Growing rapidly in UK high streets, with options such as Chopstix Noodle Bar, Wok&Go, KOKORO, Yakinori, Camile Thai Kitchen, and Koku Shi.
• Pizza and doner-style concepts: Including Pizza Time, German Doner Kebab, and Donor Shack, catering to consistently high UK demand.
• Mobile, virtual, and dark kitchen models: Lower-overhead formats such as Peckwater Brands, Coffee-Bike, and Awesome Chips offer flexible entry points without requiring traditional retail premises.
• Desserts and speciality treats: Dum Dum Donutterie and Creams represent the growing dessert and indulgence segment within fast food.

Is a fast food franchise right for you?

Fast food franchises suit individuals who thrive in fast-paced, customer-facing environments and are comfortable managing teams, stock, and service standards simultaneously. The sector rewards strong operational discipline — franchisors typically provide full training and a proven system, so prior experience in food is helpful but rarely essential. It is worth carefully reviewing what territory exclusivity is offered, what ongoing support looks like, and how established the brand is in the UK market before committing.

Consider whether you want a bricks-and-mortar location with dine-in or takeaway trade, or a more flexible model such as a dark kitchen or mobile unit. Your available capital, personal goals, and local market will all shape the right fit. Whichever route you choose, buying into a recognisable brand with a structured franchise model significantly reduces the risks associated with starting a food business from scratch.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a fast food franchise cost in the UK?
Costs range from £400 for a virtual brand concept such as Peckwater Brands up to £800,000 for a Burger King franchise. Most established high-street brands sit in the £85,000–£215,000 range.

Do I need experience in catering or food service?
Not necessarily. Most franchisors provide comprehensive training covering food preparation, operations, and management. A background in customer service or team leadership is beneficial, but franchisees come from all professional backgrounds.

Can I run a fast food franchise without a physical premises?
Yes. Models such as Peckwater Brands and Coffee-Bike operate without traditional restaurant units, using dark kitchens or mobile setups — making them particularly accessible for first-time franchisees.

Are fast food franchises profitable?
Profitability depends on location, footfall, operational efficiency, and the specific franchise model. Franchisors are not permitted to make earnings guarantees, so it is important to speak directly with existing franchisees and review the franchisor’s disclosure documents carefully.

How long does it take to open a fast food franchise?
Timelines vary by brand and model. Mobile or virtual concepts can launch in a matter of weeks, while a full restaurant fit-out with planning and construction can take six months to over a year.