Mowchi

About Mowchi

Bubble tea, bao buns, coffee and frozen yogurt brand Mowchi was founded in Birmingham in 2022 by Afrikana brand marketing director Syeda Kayanath. Its debut site is a small 20-seater restaurant based in Birmingham’s Ladypool Road, which has now closed. This was followed by its first franchise site, in Bradford, and it made its southern debut, at the Lakeside shopping centre in Essex, late in 2023.

The brand made it London debut in July 2024 with the launch of a flagship store in Mile End before also launching in nearby East Ham.

The company said: “Mowchi was created for a minimal, cosy and wholesome space; a unique bubble tea shop offering authentic flavours of East Asia. A clean, sleek and minimal bubble tea brand with a unique USP of food and frozen yoghurt, making Mowchi an entire experience. A women-led business giving you the opportunity to own a beautiful aesthetic bubble tea cafe, offering a unique experience with bao buns, frozen yoghurt and the best Spanish iced latte. Minimal investment and maximum return.”

In January 2025, Mowchi secured a site in Canterbury, Kent, and also acquired a site in Oxford. In June 2025, Mowchi partnered with Gulf Franchise Group as it explores expansion overseas. In December 2025, Mowchi opened in Camden, with a further London site to follow, in Wembley.

In May 2026, Mowchi said it is to return to Birmingham with a new drink and Pilates concept. Mowchi opened its first store in Birmingham’s Ladypool Road, which has since closed, but is now preparing to return to the city for its sixth site.

Kayanath said. “We’re excited to be bringing Mowchi back to Birmingham with something a little different - our very first Mowchi pilates studio concept. A space designed around community, movement, coffee and culture, all under one roof. This one has been a long time coming, and we can’t wait to share what we’ve been working on behind the scenes.”

Why franchise with Mowchi

• ✓Mowchi began franchising at the end of 2022 and is looking to expand across the Midlands, while also taking a keen interest on the north and London. Its flexible model allows franchisees to take a 500 square-foot kiosk serving just bubble team or a cafe selling food as well.
• ✓The company claims to have low costs and offers quick and efficient set-up, with little training and a good return on investment. Average start-up costs are £95,000, with both single and multi-unit developments available. Only small areas are required, with kiosks, shopping mall and high street locations ideal.
• ✓For kiosks (500+ square feet), the £95,000 costs include a £10,000 franchise fee, £45,000 for fit-out fees, £24,000 for equipment, £8,000 for initial stock, £5,000 for design fees and £3,000 for launch marketing, with royalty fees 5% and marketing fees 1%.
• ✓For stores (1,200+ square feet) the £150,000 costs include a £10,000 franchise fee, £80,000 for fit-out fees, £40,000 for equipment, £12,000 for initial stock, £5,000 for design fees and £3,000 for launch marketing, with royalty fees 5% and marketing fees 1%. Full training pre and post opening will include visits from bubble tea experts.