Fat Phill’s

About Fat Phill’s

Fat Phill’s is a Dutch fast-casual burger brand established in 2019 by Armin Vahabian following a road trip across the United States. Its menu centres on freshly prepared smashed burgers, Philly cheesesteaks, loaded fries, chicken wings and other American-inspired comfort food. The concept combines bold flavours, generous portions and a lively diner identity.

The brand expanded from the Netherlands into the UK and Ireland through franchise partnerships. Its first British restaurant opened in Clapham Junction in December 2024 but subsequently closed. The current UK estate includes Wood Green, Tooting Market and Sutton in London, with further regional development planned. Fat Phill’s offers both conventional restaurants and compact food hall outlets. Franchisees benefit from an established menu, operating guidance and support with launch planning, staffing and store presentation.

Why franchise with Fat Phill’s

• ✓Operate a Dutch smash burger concept with a distinctive American-inspired menu and diner identity.
• ✓Serve smashed burgers, Philly cheesesteaks, loaded fries and popular chicken dishes.
• ✓Choose restaurant or food hall locations to suit local footfall and property opportunities.
• ✓Access guidance on store presentation, staffing and financial management during launch.
• ✓Join a growing international franchise with operating locations in three countries.
• ✓Explore multi-site expansion opportunities as Fat Phill’s targets further UK growth.

Investment breakdown

Minimum investment	£150,000
Maximum investment	£200,000
Franchise fee	£20,000
Management service fee	On request
Marketing contribution	On request
Agreement term	On request

What's expected of a franchisee

Property requirements

Fat Phill’s offers restaurant and food hall formats, with premises selected for visibility, strong footfall and convenient access. Its UK expansion strategy favours densely populated urban centres, transport links and established shopping areas. Stores need space for burger preparation, cooking equipment, food storage, service and collection. The Tooting Market outlet demonstrates a compact food hall format. 

Training and support

Fat Phill’s provides franchise guidance during start-up and ongoing operations. Support includes store presentation, financial matters and personnel management, helping partners establish consistent customer service and restaurant standards. Franchisees receive assistance with opening and operating their businesses, while the brand supports international development through local partners. 

Operational requirements

Fat Phill’s franchisees manage daily food preparation, customer service, staffing, stock control and restaurant performance. Operators must maintain consistent quality for smashed burgers, cheesesteaks, fries and chicken dishes, while complying with food safety and hygiene requirements. Responsibilities also include local marketing, purchasing and financial oversight. Sites may operate as standalone restaurants or food hall units, depending on the approved premises and local market.

Experience required

Fat Phill’s seeks experienced hospitality operators, multi-site managers and franchise partners with strong local market knowledge. Applicants should demonstrate leadership, financial management and the ability to identify suitable high-footfall premises. Franchisees are expected to maintain brand standards, manage staff and oversee daily restaurant performance. The stated investment is £150,000-£200,000, with £100,000 in required equity; previous restaurant experience is preferred.

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