Top 9 Dessert Franchises In The Uk

| 23.05.2024

In recent years, the UK has experienced a veritable explosion in the popularity of dessert-focused dining. This burgeoning trend has led to the proliferation of specialized dessert franchises across the nation. These establishments cater to an insatiable sweet tooth, offering everything from decadent gelatos and artisanal doughnuts to luxurious waffles and gourmet chocolates. The allure of these sugary sanctuaries has proven irresistible to both consumers and aspiring entrepreneurs alike. Here, we delve into the best dessert franchises in the UK, exploring the unique charms and business potential that each one holds.

Best Dessert Franchises In The UK

Baskin Robbins

Founding Year: 1945
Franchising Year: 1948
Franchise Outlets: more than 7,800
Investment Range: starts at £100,000
Royalty Fee: 5.9%

Delight your senses at Baskin Robbins, where 31 flavors are just the beginning of your sweet adventure. Each scoop is a gateway to nostalgia and innovation, with classics like Mint Chocolate Chip mingling alongside seasonal sensations. Whether you're indulging in a sundae, a milkshake, or a novel flavor experience, Baskin Robbins is the ultimate destination for ice cream lovers. Their vibrant stores are a kaleidoscope of color and creativity, ensuring every visit feels like a celebration of all things sweet.

Cinnabon

Founding Year: 1985
Franchising Year: 1986
Franchise Outlets: around 2000
Investment Range: £140,000-£250,000
Royalty Fee: 6%

Enter the warm embrace of Cinnabon, where the air is always infused with the tantalizing scent of freshly baked cinnamon rolls. Each gooey, caramel-laden treat is crafted with Makara cinnamon and topped with rich, creamy frosting, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds. Cinnabon isn’t just a bakery; it’s a haven for those seeking comfort in a bun. Perfect for a morning pick-me-up or an indulgent afternoon delight, Cinnabon transforms every moment into a cozy, delectable experience.

Crêpeaffaire

Founding Year: 2004
Franchising Year: 2008
Franchise Outlets: around 20
Investment Range: £200,000
Royalty Fee: 7%

At Crêpeaffaire, the art of French crêpe-making is elevated to an affair to remember. Here, delicate crêpes are filled with a myriad of sumptuous ingredients, from sweet strawberries and Nutella to savory ham and cheese. Every bite is a journey through culinary craftsmanship, with each crêpe made fresh to order before your eyes. Crêpeaffaire is more than a meal; it's a celebration of the simple joys in life, where every fold and filling offers a taste of Parisian charm right at your fingertips.

Dunkin' Donuts

Founding Year: 1950
Franchising Year: 1955
Franchise Outlets: over 15,000
Investment Range: £3 million
Royalty Fee: 5.9%

Start your day with a dash of joy at Dunkin' Donuts, the quintessential stop for coffee and donuts on the go. Whether you crave the classic glazed donut or the bold flavors of a seasonal creation, Dunkin' has you covered. Pair your sweet treat with a robust cup of their famous coffee, brewed to perfection to kickstart your day. With a legacy of bringing smiles for decades, Dunkin' Donuts remains a beloved staple, providing a delightful and reliable refuge in the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Heavenly Desserts

Founding Year: 2008
Franchising Year: 2017
Franchise Outlets: 35+
Investment Range: £190,000
Royalty Fee: 5%

Step into a world of decadence at Heavenly Desserts, where every confection is a masterpiece. Their menu is a luxurious symphony of flavors and textures, offering everything from rich, velvety cheesecakes to intricate, artistically plated pastries. Each dessert is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring a divine taste experience that lives up to the name. Heavenly Desserts is a sanctuary for sweet tooths, promising a slice of paradise with every bite and an indulgence that is truly out of this world.

The Incredible Ice Cream Company

Founding Year: 2007
Franchising Year: 2019
Franchise Outlets: 50+
Investment Range: starts at £24,000
Royalty Fee: N/A

The Incredible Ice Cream Company turns ice cream into an interactive experience, delighting both children and adults with their innovative approach. Their unique Ice Cream Pods allow customers to create custom concoctions, mixing and matching from a wide range of flavours and toppings. This hands-on concept makes every visit a new adventure, perfect for birthday parties, family outings, or just a fun treat. The franchise’s commitment to quality and creativity ensures that their ice cream is as delightful to eat as it is to make.

Quick Crêpes

Founding Year: 1988
Franchising Year: N/A
Franchise Outlets: around 19
Investment Range: £95,000-£135,000
Royalty Fee: 4%

Quick Crêpes offers a swift yet satisfying crêpe experience, ideal for those on the go. This franchise blends speed with quality, serving up fresh, made-to-order crêpes filled with both sweet and savoury delights. Whether you crave a classic lemon and sugar crêpe or a more substantial ham and cheese option, Quick Crêpes caters to all tastes. Their commitment to using fresh ingredients and efficient service makes it a favourite among busy professionals, students, and anyone seeking a quick but delicious meal.

Tutti Frutti Frozen Yoghurt

Founding Year: 2008
Franchising Year: 2009
Franchise Outlets: 800
Investment Range: £80,000-£100,000
Royalty Fee: 5%

Tutti Frutti Frozen Yoghurt brings a healthier twist to the dessert landscape, offering a refreshing array of self-serve frozen yoghurt options. With a plethora of flavours and a vast selection of toppings, from fresh fruits to indulgent candies, customers can create their perfect treat. This franchise stands out for its commitment to quality ingredients and health-conscious choices, making it a popular choice for those seeking a guilt-free indulgence. Tutti Frutti turns dessert into a fun, personalized experience that appeals to all ages.

Wafflemeister

Founding Year: 1999
Franchising Year: 2000
Franchise Outlets: 20+
Investment Range: £100,000-£150,000
Royalty Fee: 5%

Wafflemeister crafts Belgian waffles that transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Brussels. Made from a secret family recipe, these waffles are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and irresistibly delicious. Topped with everything from strawberries and cream to Nutella and bananas, each waffle is a decadent delight. Wafflemeister’s dedication to authenticity and quality makes it a standout in the dessert franchise arena, offering a little piece of Belgian tradition with every bite.

Reasons to start a dessert franchise In The UK

Cultural Affinity for Sweets: The British palate has always had a deep-seated love affair with desserts. Afternoon teas, festive puddings, and a rich tradition of baking ensure that desserts occupy a special place in British hearts. This cultural affinity creates a ready and enthusiastic customer base for dessert franchises.

Growing Market Demand: There is a noticeable surge in demand for high-quality, indulgent dessert experiences. Consumers are increasingly seeking out specialized dessert establishments that offer unique and premium products, creating ample opportunities for new franchises to thrive.

Diverse Consumer Preferences: The UK’s cosmopolitan population brings together a diverse array of tastes and preferences. This diversity allows dessert franchises to experiment with a variety of flavors and offerings, catering to a broad and varied customer demographic.

Social Media Influence: The visual appeal of desserts makes them a hit on top social media platforms. Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook are awash with pictures and videos of aesthetically pleasing desserts, driving foot traffic and online orders. Franchises that capitalize on this trend can significantly boost their visibility and popularity.

Resilient Business Model: Dessert franchises often benefit from a robust business model with lower overheads compared to full-scale restaurants. They typically require less space, fewer staff, and simpler kitchen setups, which can lead to higher profit margins.

Innovative Menu Offerings: The ability to continually innovate and introduce new flavors and dessert concepts keeps the customer base engaged and coming back for more. Seasonal specials, limited-edition treats, and customizable options are just a few ways franchises can stay well ahead of the competition.

Community Engagement: Dessert franchises often become community hubs where people gather to celebrate special occasions, enjoy casual outings, or simply indulge their sweet cravings. This community engagement fosters brand loyalty and repeat business.

Conclusion

The dessert franchise market in the UK presents a deliciously attractive opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to capitalize on the nation’s sweet tooth. The combination of cultural affinity, growing market demand, and the power of social media creates a fertile ground for these businesses to flourish. By offering innovative and visually appealing products, engaging with the community, and leveraging the support of established franchise networks, aspiring dessert franchisees can build thriving businesses. As the love for all things sweet continues to grow, the future looks exceptionally bright for dessert franchises across the UK.

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