Little Dessert Shop

About Little Dessert Shop

Founded in 2015 and serving handcrafted artisanal waffles, crepes, coffee, cheesecakes, cookie dough and gelato, Wolverhampton-based Little Dessert Shop has since expanded to more than sites across the UK. It started franchising in 2016. The company said: “The Little Dessert Shop brand has continually evolved since 2014, becoming the UK's leading dessert dining experience. The expansion of our operations has been pivotal to the growth of the brand, with a new head office, in-house central bakery and logistical distribution supply.” In July 2023, head of franchising Kamran Hussain told Propel that the brand has set out a roadmap to an eventual UK estate of 150-200 locations. “LDS has stores across the UK, with strongholds in areas such as the Midlands, London, and Lancashire, with imminent and substantial expansion plans to open further stores in Scotland, Wales, more rural areas of England and to attack the market in Ireland,” he said. “This demonstrates unrestricted growth and potential within the UK and global markets, with the aim to hit 150-200 stores in the UK alone, and an ultimate goal to venture into the international market.” The following month, it partnered with better burger company Betsy’s to launch both concepts under one roof, known as Betsy’s X Little Dessert Shop. In December 202, founder Muazzam Ali told Propel it is aiming to double its 50-site estate by end of 2027 as it focuses on new areas of the UK. “Little Dessert Shop is aiming to secure 15-20 new locations in 2025, with new store openings already planned in January/February in Doncaster, Cheshire and Oldham,” Ali said. “Our long-term goal of 100-200 UK store locations remains firmly in place. Backed by a strategic rebrand and an evolved menu strategy, we are confidently on track to reach 100 locations by the end of 2027. We’re actively targeting key growth areas with significant untapped potential. Our franchise team is currently focused on securing licences in Portsmouth, Southampton, Bournemouth, Liverpool, Edinburgh and Newcastle - regions we’ve identified through market analysis, social media engagement and consumer demand.” He added that three X model locations had opened so far, with more to come. In February 2025, Little Dessert Shop said it is set to launch a nationwide delivery service, and in May 2025, the company opened its first dark kitchen, in Preston. “This launch marks an exciting step forward as Little Dessert Shop begins to strategically expand into the dark kitchen market,” said marketing manager Josh Allen. “We’ve seen a huge rise in demand for our products across the UK, and this new model allows us to extend our reach, enhance brand accessibility and fulfil consumer demand.” It currently has circa 55 locations, following launches in Doncaster, Nottingham and Sydenham in the summer of 2025. In October 2025, Little Dessert Shop said it is to extend its dark kitchen trial with four more openings. The following month, chief executive Zaeem Chohan said: “We’re really pleased with how the first dark kitchen launch has gone. It’s allowing us to test the strength of our delivery-only model and gain a better understanding of how the brand can reach new audiences beyond traditional high streets. We currently have four more sites in the initial phase, and we’re reviewing performance closely before confirming the next wave of openings. Alongside this, we continue to explore opportunities for new physical stores in select areas where the brand already has strong recognition. Our goal is to find the right balance between delivery reach and the in-store experience our customers love.”

Why franchise with Little Dessert Shop

• ✓Minimum personal investment is £31,700 and minimum total investment £87,995, and options include kiosk, café and restaurant packages. A £12,995 franchise fee cover the cost training and initial property fees. Each franchise package will vary in cost depending on construction costs and the investment required. The kiosk package requires an investment of around £87,995, a cafe £126,995 and a restaurant £155,995 in total. There is also a monthly management fee of 5% and a 1% marketing fee, based on gross turnover. Territories are available across the UK and franchisees may open more than one store based on success with an initial outlet. Potential franchisees should be able to get financial support from most major high street banks and lenders for some or all of the investment amount required. Little Desert Shop also has partnerships with lenders and may be able to support franchise owners in developing a business plan to apply for funding support. While it is not essential to have previous experience, it will be helpful, while the ability to demonstrate good management abilities will be essential. Full training is provided, but a good sense of business acumen, is essential. Social media is powerful marketing tool, and Little Dessert Shop has more than 100,000 followers on both TikTok and Instagram. The company says: “With our proven business model and brand, you can transform the uncapped potential of the food market into exceptional cash returns. We have a proven business model which continues to develop year on year, resulting in each of our franchisees successfully increasing their earning potential. A Little Dessert Shop franchise is a dependable investment which guarantees a significant return. With our superior quality products, unique menus and contemporary store designs, The Little Dessert Shop is meaningfully differentiated and well positioned for growth in the UK. We are excited by what the future holds, and we hope that you are too as we create a brand that responds to the needs of the market.”