Starting a fast-food business in the UK can be a rewarding step, but the cost of opening a well-known franchise can often be out of reach for many entrepreneurs. While global giants demand huge investments, there are smaller, emerging and niche franchises that are more affordable and offer great opportunities. These businesses provide established systems, brand recognition, and support while keeping the overall costs lower compared to traditional full-service restaurants. Below are some of the cheapest fast-food franchises you can open in the UK today, with a closer look at what each brand offers.
Dum Dum Donutterie Franchise
Dum Dum Donutterie is known for its artisan doughnuts and croissant-doughnut hybrids. Unlike traditional fried doughnuts, Dum Dum focuses on a healthier baked method, which appeals to today’s health-conscious consumers while still delivering indulgent flavours. The franchise model is built around kiosks, cafés or takeaway shops, making it a relatively affordable entry point into the dessert market. With its creative product range and strong branding, it has become a recognised name that can attract a loyal customer base quickly.
Churroslocos Franchise
Churroslocos brings Spanish-inspired treats to the UK market, specialising in freshly made churros served with chocolate and other sweet toppings. The franchise is designed to be compact, often operating from kiosks, food stalls, or mobile units, which keeps the costs significantly lower than setting up a full restaurant. This model makes it attractive for new entrepreneurs who want to get started in fast food with lower risk. Its unique product offering also makes it a fun and eye-catching business that works well in high-footfall locations like shopping centres and events.
Burg Franchise
Burg is a burger concept that combines simplicity with a gourmet touch. The brand focuses on burgers, chicken options, and sides, served in a straightforward but appealing way. It has been marketed as a lower-cost alternative to bigger burger chains, making it possible to enter the popular burger market without the massive upfront costs associated with global giants. The business model is adaptable, meaning it can operate as a small restaurant or a takeaway-focused store, offering flexibility for franchisees depending on their budget and location.
The Chick Franchise
The Chick is a fried chicken brand that provides a streamlined approach to the competitive chicken market. Offering chicken meals, sides, and shakes, it aims to combine variety with affordability. The franchise model is structured to be accessible, making it easier for new business owners to compete in a market dominated by big-name fried chicken chains. Its menu variety and modern branding give franchisees the opportunity to attract younger demographics who are always looking for fresh alternatives to the traditional outlets.
Amigos Burger and Shakes Franchise
Amigos Burger and Shakes has quickly grown in popularity in the UK thanks to its focus on affordable gourmet burgers and indulgent milkshakes. Its restaurants often have a vibrant, modern atmosphere designed to appeal to families, young people, and casual diners. The franchise offers an opportunity to tap into two strong markets at once: burgers and shakes. Its proven customer appeal and stylish presentation give franchisees the advantage of an established customer base and a clear brand identity at a more affordable investment level compared to larger competitors.
The Athenian Franchise
The Athenian brings Greek street food to the UK, specialising in souvlaki, gyros, and other Mediterranean dishes. The brand has made a name for itself by promoting fresh, authentic flavours with a modern twist. The Athenian franchise is built on a scalable model, often operating from smaller units or delivery-focused kitchens, which reduces start-up costs. This makes it a smart choice for those who want to bring something unique to their local food scene without needing the capital of a large restaurant operation.
Spitting Pig Franchise
Spitting Pig is slightly different from the others, as it focuses on hog roast catering rather than fixed-site restaurants. The brand is well known in the UK for its mobile catering services, making it a great option for events, weddings, and festivals. This franchise is appealing because it does not require expensive premises; instead, it operates from a mobile setup, which keeps costs low. It offers franchisees the chance to step into the catering industry with a well-established brand name and the flexibility of running events across different locations.
Summary
The UK fast-food franchise scene is not limited to the huge global players. For those with smaller budgets, there are several affordable and exciting opportunities available, each offering its own unique appeal. Dum Dum Donutterie and Churroslocos focus on eye-catching sweet treats with small-scale operations, while Burg and The Chick provide accessible ways into the popular burger and chicken markets. Amigos Burger and Shakes combines strong branding with proven customer demand, and The Athenian introduces a growing trend for Greek street food at a lower cost. Spitting Pig offers something different by focusing on mobile catering and events, giving flexibility alongside affordability. Choosing one of these cheaper fast-food franchises could be the first step toward building a successful food business in the UK without the heavy investment of bigger names.