Chop Wok Express

About Chop Wok Express

Chop Wok Express is a Birmingham-founded quick-service restaurant concept established in 2009 as Chop & Wok. The brand specialises in Oriental and South Asian cuisine, with dishes prepared in an open, theatre-style cooking environment. Its menu combines a ‘chop’ selection of wraps and salads with a ‘wok’ range of freshly prepared noodle and rice stir-fries. In 2023, the business introduced a streamlined Express format, opening its first location in Birmingham’s Queensway before adopting the Chop Wok Express name. The company reports seven operating locations, with further UK openings planned. Its latest reported launch was in Chelmsford in October 2025. The franchise model features all-electric kitchens, centrally supplied sauces and simplified food preparation. Chop Wok Express is recruiting franchise partners nationwide, particularly area developers seeking to establish multiple locations.

Why franchise with Chop Wok Express

• ✓Established Oriental and South Asian food concept with roots in Birmingham dating back to 2009.
• ✓All-electric Express kitchens and centrally supplied sauces simplify daily food preparation.
• ✓Turnkey franchise package includes property sourcing, fit-out, recruitment and launch assistance.
• ✓Benefit from an established supply chain, comprehensive operations manual and franchise intranet.
• ✓Access ongoing training, local digital marketing and search engine optimisation for your store.
• ✓Explore nationwide expansion and area development opportunities for three or more locations.

Investment breakdown

Minimum investment	£130,000
Maximum investment	£250,000
Franchise fee	£15,000
Management service fee	£300 weekly
Marketing contribution	£0
Agreement term	On request

What's expected of a franchisee

Property requirements

Chop Wok Express operates a streamlined takeaway and quick-service format designed for urban locations. The company offers assistance with identifying suitable premises and arranging restaurant fit-out. Its Express kitchens use all-electric equipment and centrally supplied, ready-made sauces, simplifying food preparation. The franchisor states that planning permission and extraction permissions are not required for its format, although individual sites remain subject to applicable regulations. No minimum floor area is specified.

Training and support

Chop Wok Express offers a turnkey franchise package covering property sourcing, fit-out, recruitment, staff training and assistance with funding arrangements. Franchisees receive initial and ongoing training, a comprehensive operations manual and access to the brand’s intranet. Support also includes an established supply chain, store listings on the company website, search engine optimisation and local SMS and email marketing. The simplified kitchen model reduces the need for specialist cooking skills.

Operational requirements

Chop Wok Express franchisees operate quick-service restaurants preparing wraps, salads, noodles and rice dishes. The all-electric kitchen format uses ready-made sauces delivered through the approved supply chain, allowing staff to prepare meals without specialist chefs. Operators are responsible for staffing, food safety, stock control, customer service and daily financial performance. Franchisees must follow the brand’s operating systems and maintain consistent food quality and service standards.

Experience required

Chop Wok Express aims to make its franchise model accessible to applicants from a range of professional backgrounds. Specialist chef experience is not required because the Express format uses simplified cooking processes and centrally supplied sauces. The company particularly seeks UK area development franchisees willing to commit to at least three locations. Suitable candidates should have commercial awareness, leadership ability and the resources to develop and manage a multi-site food business.

Territory availability