Pepe's Franchise Cost UK: How Much Is It?

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How much does it cost to open a Pepe’s Piri Piri franchise in the UK? With the UK’s fast-food industry expanding rapidly, investing in a recognised brand like Pepe’s Piri Piri can be a lucrative opportunity.

However, before making a decision, it’s essential to understand the costs, requirements, profitability, and support system provided by the brand.

Pepe’s Piri Piri has gained a strong foothold in the peri-peri chicken market, growing from a single store in 2007 to over 200 outlets across the UK and expanding internationally into the UAE.

The company is committed to building long-term relationships with franchisees and providing the necessary tools to succeed in the competitive food sector.

This article will provide an in-depth analysis of the Pepe’s franchise cost in the UK, factors influencing the investment, the support offered to franchisees, and the steps to get started.

What Is Pepe’s Piri Piri Franchise?

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Pepe’s Piri Piri is one of the leading fast-food brands in the UK, specialising in flame-grilled peri-peri chicken.

The company was founded in 2007 and has since established itself as a key player in the UK’s quick-service restaurant (QSR) market.

With its unique flavours, diverse menu options, and high-quality ingredients, Pepe’s has built a loyal customer base and a strong brand identity.

As a franchise, Pepe’s Piri Piri operates on a structured business model, allowing entrepreneurs to invest in an established system with a proven track record of success.

The franchise offers multiple store formats, including dine-in restaurants, takeaway outlets, and express kiosks, making it accessible to a wide range of investors.

Why Is Pepe’s Piri Piri Franchise Popular in the UK?

Pepe’s Piri Piri has grown into a well-recognised brand, attracting customers who crave flavourful, freshly prepared grilled chicken.

The increasing demand for peri-peri cuisine, along with the brand’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, has contributed to its success.

The franchise has a strategic expansion plan, partnering with franchisees who share its vision for growth and commitment to excellence.

Unlike many food franchises, Pepe’s Piri Piri offers a relatively low-cost entry, making it a more accessible investment for new business owners.

Pepe’s franchise model is designed to be profitable, with comprehensive support in marketing, operations, and training. This level of assistance ensures that franchisees can focus on delivering exceptional service and growing their customer base.

How Much Does a Pepe’s Piri Piri Franchise Cost in the UK?

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The total investment required to open a Pepe’s Piri Piri franchise depends on various factors, such as location, store size, and setup costs. However, a minimum investment of £250,000 is required to get started.

Breakdown of Initial Investment

Expense Type	Estimated Cost (£)
Initial Franchise Fee	£13,000
Setup Costs	£11,000 – £13,000
Liquid Capital	£165,000 (Recommended)
Royalty Fee	4% of Gross Sales
Total Investment	£250,000+

The initial franchise fee of £13,000 gives franchisees the right to operate under the Pepe’s Piri Piri brand, providing access to its proven business model, operational systems, and training programmes.

Ongoing costs include a 4% royalty fee on gross sales and a 2-3% marketing contribution, which funds local and national advertising efforts.

The total investment also covers branding, store setup, equipment, and initial stock, but variations may occur based on location and restaurant size.

What Factors Influence Pepe’s Franchise Costs?

Several factors contribute to the overall cost of opening a Pepe’s franchise, including:

Location: High-footfall areas in major UK cities have higher rental and operational expenses than suburban or smaller town locations.
Store Size & Format: A dine-in restaurant requires more capital for furniture, kitchen equipment, and interior design, whereas a takeaway or express store has lower setup costs.
Customisations & Branding: Outlets must meet Pepe’s branding standards, and additional customisations, such as unique signage or local design elements, can increase expenses.
Staffing & Employee Wages: Hiring trained kitchen staff and customer service teams impacts initial and ongoing costs.
Marketing & Advertising: Launching a new store requires promotional campaigns, including social media marketing, local advertising, and opening event promotions.

What Support Does Pepe’s Provide to Franchisees?

Pepe’s Piri Piri is committed to helping franchisees succeed by providing comprehensive support at every stage of the business. The franchise package includes:

Pre-Opening Support

Site Selection Assistance: Pepe’s team helps franchisees find an optimal location based on market research and demographic analysis.
Store Setup & Design: Guidance on designing the outlet to match Pepe’s branding and operational standards.
Marketing & Launch Strategies: Assistance in creating pre-launch promotions to attract initial customers.

Training Programmes

Operational Training: Covers everything from food preparation to customer service.
Management Training: Teaches inventory control, staff management, and financial planning.

Ongoing Support

Marketing & Advertising: National and local marketing strategies to drive sales.
Operational Guidance: Continued support to improve efficiency and profitability.
Supplier Network & Logistics: Access to high-quality ingredients and cost-effective supply chains.

This comprehensive support system ensures franchisees run their businesses efficiently and profitably.

How Can You Apply for a Pepe’s Piri Piri Franchise?

Applying for a Pepe’s Piri Piri franchise is a structured process designed to ensure that only the most suitable candidates join the brand’s expanding network.

Pepe’s is committed to maintaining its high standards and strong reputation, which is why the franchise selection process is rigorous.

However, it is also transparent and well-supported, allowing potential franchisees to clearly understand each step before making an investment.

The application process typically takes between three to six months, depending on the location, approvals, and store setup. Here’s a breakdown of the key steps involved:

1. Initial Inquiry & Contacting Pepe’s Franchise Team

The first step is to express your interest in becoming a franchisee by contacting Pepe’s franchise team. This can be done through their website, via email at [email protected], or by calling 01923 711 854.

At this stage, you will receive an initial franchise information pack detailing investment requirements, expectations, and available locations.

2. Reviewing the Franchise Agreement & Business Model

Before proceeding further, it is essential to thoroughly review the franchise agreement provided by Pepe’s. This document outlines all the legal, financial, and operational responsibilities of a franchisee.

You will also gain insights into the business model, including how revenue is structured, operational support provided, and ongoing fees.

Potential franchisees are encouraged to seek legal and financial advice to ensure they fully understand their obligations before signing the agreement.

3. Financial Verification & Background Assessment

Pepe’s Piri Piri requires all franchise applicants to demonstrate financial stability. Since the minimum investment required is £250,000, applicants must provide proof of funds or access to financing.

The company also conducts background checks to assess the candidate’s business experience, management skills, and ability to run a successful franchise.

Although previous experience in the food and beverage industry is not mandatory, having business management experience can strengthen the application.

4. Submission of Franchise Application

Once the applicant has reviewed the agreement and confirmed financial eligibility, they must submit a detailed franchise application. This application includes:

Personal and business background information.
Financial statements and proof of investment capability.
Business strategy and plans for running the franchise.

Pepe’s evaluates each application carefully, ensuring that selected franchisees align with the brand’s vision and long-term growth strategy.

5. Franchise Interview & Approval Process

If the application is shortlisted, the next step is a formal interview with Pepe’s franchise team. This stage allows the company to assess the applicant’s suitability, discuss expectations, and clarify any questions about the franchise.

Successful applicants will then receive an official approval and be invited to move forward with the franchise agreement.

6. Site Selection & Store Setup

Once approved, the next critical step is finding the right location. Pepe’s provides guidance in choosing a high-footfall area with strong market potential.

Factors such as competition, accessibility, and target demographics play a role in finalising the store location.

After securing a site, the store setup and fit-out process begins. Pepe’s assists franchisees with the store design, branding, and equipment installation to ensure all outlets meet the company’s high standards.

7. Training & Pre-Launch Preparations

Before the official launch, all franchisees and their staff undergo a comprehensive training programme. This covers:

Food preparation and safety standards to maintain consistency.
Customer service training to enhance the dining experience.
Inventory and operational management to ensure efficiency.

Marketing efforts also begin during this stage, with Pepe’s providing advertising support and promotional campaigns to generate awareness for the grand opening.

8. Grand Opening & Ongoing Support

Once everything is in place, the store is ready to launch. Pepe’s assists with the initial store opening, marketing promotions, and operational fine-tuning to ensure a smooth start.

The company continues to provide ongoing business support, including marketing updates, operational assistance, and supply chain management, to help franchisees maximise their success.

What Are the Requirements to Open a Pepe’s Piri Piri Franchise?

Opening a Pepe’s Piri Piri franchise is a significant business commitment, and not every applicant will be approved.

The company has specific criteria to ensure that new franchisees are well-equipped to operate successfully and uphold the brand’s standards.

These requirements include financial investment, business skills, and location considerations.

1. Financial Requirements

Investing in a franchise requires substantial capital, and Pepe’s Piri Piri has set financial criteria to ensure franchisees can sustain their business.

The minimum investment required is £250,000, covering setup costs, branding, and initial stock.
Franchisees must have at least £165,000 in liquid capital, as this helps with early operational expenses.
The company charges a franchise fee of £13,000, which provides access to the brand name, training, and business model.
An ongoing royalty fee of 4% of gross sales is applicable, contributing to branding, marketing, and support services.

While some franchisees self-fund their investment, others may explore bank loans or financing options to cover the required capital.

2. Business & Management Experience

Pepe’s does not require franchisees to have a background in fast food or hospitality, but experience in business operations and team management is highly beneficial.

Ideal franchise candidates should possess:

Experience in managing a team to ensure smooth daily operations.
Strong people skills for dealing with customers and employees.
Basic financial knowledge to handle pricing, revenue, and operational expenses.
Self-motivation and ambition to grow the business and maintain brand standards.

Pepe’s is looking for franchise partners who are dedicated, hard-working, and willing to learn. The brand believes in building long-term relationships with its franchisees, creating a supportive and win-win business environment.

3. Location & Store Requirements

Choosing the right store location is critical to the success of a Pepe’s Piri Piri franchise. The company assesses various factors before approving a site, ensuring that each outlet is placed in a high-potential area.

Ideal locations include:

City centres and high streets with high foot traffic.
Shopping malls and retail parks, attract customers throughout the day.
Transport hubs such as train stations and busy commercial areas.
Residential neighborhoods with a strong demand for takeaway and delivery services.

Additionally, franchisees must ensure that the store meets Pepe’s layout and design standards.

The required store size generally ranges between 1,000 and 2,000 square feet, depending on the format. Pepe’s assists franchisees with site selection, lease negotiations, and store fit-out planning.

4. Commitment to the Brand’s Values

Beyond finances and location, Pepe’s prioritises franchisees who align with the brand’s mission and values. The company seeks individuals who:

Are committed to delivering high-quality food and service.
Can maintain brand consistency and customer satisfaction.
Are willing to actively participate in marketing and promotional efforts.

Franchisees are expected to fully engage with the Pepe’s community, ensuring that customers receive the best experience possible.

Is a Pepe’s Piri Piri Franchise Profitable?

Pepe’s Piri Piri has a strong business model, designed for sustainable profitability. The franchise typically achieves profit margins of 6-8% of total sales, influenced by location, operational efficiency, and market demand.

A well-run Pepe’s franchise can generate annual revenues of £500,000 to £1 million, with most franchisees reaching break-even within 18 to 36 months.

Key profit factors include customer loyalty, cost-effective supply chains, and a scalable model that allows franchisees to expand to multiple locations.

Conclusion

Pepe’s Piri Piri presents an exciting business opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to invest in the UK’s fast-food sector. With a minimum investment of £250,000, franchisees benefit from a proven business model, strong brand recognition, and ongoing support.

The franchise’s low-cost entry compared to competitors, growing market demand, and structured operational support make it an attractive option for investors.

However, success depends on choosing the right location, managing operations effectively, and leveraging Pepe’s brand strength to maximise profitability.

For those looking for a long-term, scalable business, a Pepe’s Piri Piri franchise is a strong contender in the UK’s competitive food industry.

FAQs

What is the total investment needed for a Pepe’s franchise in the UK?

The total investment ranges from £170,000 to £300,000, depending on location and store size.

How long does it take to open a Pepe’s Piri Piri franchise?

The setup process, including approvals and training, takes approximately 3 to 6 months.

Is prior experience required to start a Pepe’s franchise?

No prior fast-food experience is necessary, but business and management skills are preferred.

What are the ongoing fees for a Pepe’s Piri Piri franchise?

Ongoing fees include a 5% royalty fee and 2-3% marketing contribution, plus operational costs.

Can I get financial support for opening a Pepe’s franchise?

Some franchisees secure bank loans or financing options to fund their investment.

What locations are available for Pepe’s Piri Piri franchises in the UK?

Prime locations include high-footfall areas like city centres, shopping malls, and transport hubs.

How does Pepe’s Piri Piri compare to other food franchises in terms of cost?

Pepe’s requires a lower initial investment than brands like Nando’s but offers competitive profitability.