Greggs
Founded in Newcastle in 1939, Greggs is a leading British bakery and food-to-go chain offering sandwiches, savouries, pastries and drinks through company-owned and franchised shops.
About Greggs
Greggs was founded by John Gregg in Newcastle upon Tyne in 1939 and has grown into one of Britain’s largest bakery and food-to-go chains. Originally focused on traditional bakery products, the business developed a nationwide retail network and shifted towards convenient food-to-go during the 2010s. Its menu includes sausage rolls, sandwiches, savoury bakes, breakfast items, sweet treats and hot drinks.
The business reported 2,796 shops in September 2026, including 639 franchised units. Growth increasingly focuses on transport hubs, motorway services, petrol forecourts, supermarkets and retail parks. Recent innovations include drive-thrus, extended opening hours, compact Bitesize Greggs shops and Greggs Express self-service installations. In May 2026, the brand opened its first overseas airport shop in Tenerife. Greggs franchises exclusively through established corporate operators capable of developing multiple locations.
Why franchise with Greggs
- Partner with one of Britain’s best-known bakery and food-to-go brands with national recognition.
- Offer popular sausage rolls, sandwiches, breakfast products, pastries and hot drinks.
- Develop shops in petrol forecourts, motorway services, transport hubs and retail locations.
- Benefit from an established supply chain, product development and operational expertise.
- Receive comprehensive staff training, shop development guidance and ongoing business support.
- Access corporate franchise opportunities designed for experienced multi-site retail operators.
Investment breakdown
| Total investment (typical site) | £260,000 to £390,000 |
|---|---|
| Franchise fee | £30,000 |
| Management service fee | 6% |
| Marketing contribution | 2% |
What's expected of a franchisee
Property requirements
Greggs primarily offers franchise opportunities in locations where company-managed shops may be less suitable. These include motorway service areas, petrol forecourts, transport hubs, educational establishments, supermarkets and convenience retail sites. Formats range from conventional food-to-go shops to compact Bitesize Greggs and self-service installations. Premises require suitable food preparation, refrigeration, storage and customer service facilities, with specifications agreed individually.
Training and support
Greggs provides corporate franchise partners with comprehensive initial and ongoing training for managers and shop teams. Support covers operational procedures, food preparation, customer service, product standards and day-to-day management. The business also assists with shop development, fit-out and launch planning. Partners benefit from Greggs’ established manufacturing, distribution and supply systems, alongside ongoing operational guidance and support with maintaining consistent standards across multiple locations.
Operational requirements
Franchise partners oversee staffing, food preparation, hygiene, allergen management, stock control, customer service and financial performance. Shops must follow Greggs’ approved product, preparation and presentation standards while maintaining efficient service throughout trading hours. Depending on the location, operators may provide breakfast, takeaway, delivery, extended-hours or drive-thru services. Corporate partners must manage multiple outlets and coordinate with the franchisor’s supply and support systems.
Experience required
Greggs is seeking established corporate partners with substantial retail or foodservice experience and the resources to develop multiple shops. Suitable applicants include motorway service operators, petrol forecourt businesses, transport retailers and experienced multi-site convenience groups. Partners should demonstrate strong operational systems, financial stability and the ability to recruit and manage teams. Greggs is not currently offering individual one-off franchise agreements and generally seeks partners capable of developing ten or more shops.
Territory availability
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