Esquires

About Esquires

Esquires Coffee began in Canada in 1993, founded by Doug Williamson and Gary Buckland, and entered the UK in 2000. Now part of Cooks Coffee Company, the brand operates neighbourhood-focused cafés serving ethically sourced coffee alongside breakfast, lunch and bakery products. Its emphasis on suburbs, market towns and welcoming spaces appeals to customers meeting, working or relaxing locally.

Following the acquisition of global brand rights in 2013, Esquires refreshed its UK estate and expanded its franchise programme. The business offers single-store, multi-store and regional development opportunities, with support spanning property selection, café design, training and launch. The network has continued to grow across the UK and Ireland, including outlets within Tesco stores in Ireland. Esquires also operates through international franchise partners, with a long-term ambition to expand its UK and Irish estate significantly.

Why franchise with Esquires

• ✓Build a neighbourhood café business with an established international coffee brand founded in 1993.
• ✓Choose single-store, multi-store or regional development opportunities to match growth ambitions.
• ✓Access support with site selection, café design, permissions and project-managed store fit-outs.
• ✓Receive pre-opening training for franchisees and staff, with continued guidance after launch.
• ✓Serve ethically sourced coffee and café food in welcoming locations across towns and suburbs.
• ✓Benefit from established marketing support and a regional development network across the UK.

Investment breakdown

Minimum investment	£250,000
Maximum investment	£300,000
Franchise fee	£19,500
Management service fee	6% of gross sales
Marketing contribution	2% of gross sales
Agreement term	On request

What's expected of a franchisee

Property requirements

Esquires seeks high-street, shopping-centre, retail-park, drive-thru and new district locations, typically measuring 1,250-2,250 sq ft. The brand prioritises accessible sites with strong local demand, including suburbs and market towns. Franchise support includes finding suitable premises, store design, permissions and consents, and project management of the fit-out. Typical property leases run for 10-15 years, subject to individual landlord terms.

Training and support

Esquires provides pre-opening training for franchise partners and their teams, covering the skills needed to operate a branded café. Its franchise team assists with identifying premises, designing the store, obtaining permissions and overseeing the fit-out. Guidance continues after opening, with operational support available as the business develops. Regional and master franchise partners receive assistance in building and managing networks of cafés within their allocated areas.

Operational requirements

Esquires franchisees oversee café service, staff management, food preparation, coffee quality, stock, hygiene and financial performance. Operators must follow brand procedures, maintain welcoming customer spaces and manage the day-to-day needs of their premises. Depending on the agreement, partners may operate a single café, multiple stores or a wider regional network. Royalty and marketing contributions are calculated on gross sales and collected weekly by direct debit.

Experience required

Esquires seeks motivated franchise partners with strong leadership, customer service and business management skills. Applicants should be capable of supervising café teams, maintaining food safety standards and managing costs and performance. Single-site operators, multi-store investors and regional developers may apply. Candidates need sufficient funding for their chosen format, including at least £85,000 in liquid capital for the stated standard store investment.

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