PAPA JI
Founded in 2015, Papa Ji is an award-winning London-based Indian fusion street-food brand specialising in bold, freshly prepared halal chicken, burgers, wraps and loaded fries. Known for its Original and Fiery chicken, Papa Ji operates restaurants, food trucks and catering trailers. With a proven, flexible franchise model, low start-up costs from £35,000 and comprehensive franchisee support, the brand offers exciting opportunities across the UK.
About PAPA JI
Founded in London in 2015, Papa Ji is an award-winning modern Asian fusion food brand bringing bold Indian-inspired flavours to popular street-food favourites. Built around its slogan, “It’s not fast food, it’s fresh food fast,” Papa Ji combines quality ingredients, distinctive recipes and efficient operations to deliver an exciting and memorable dining experience.
The brand opened its first restaurant in Winchmore Hill in 2021, followed by its first franchise location at Boxpark Wembley in 2022. Today, Papa Ji operates from Winchmore Hill and Camden Town, alongside a growing mobile catering operation serving festivals, weddings, corporate functions, stadiums and major public events.
Papa Ji’s menu features its signature Original and Fiery fried chicken, gourmet burgers, loaded fries, toasted wraps, rice bowls, lamb seekh kebabs and a wide selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes. All chicken is halal. Its distinctive Original and Fiery breading recipes were developed over two years, complemented by unique marinades, seasonings and sauces.
The brand has received several industry accolades, including Best Chicken in London and the South East and Best Food Truck Company 2025/26. It has also featured on Sony TV and collaborated with internationally recognised artist Apache Indian to develop the Papa Ji Magic Spice Mix.
Papa Ji’s franchise model is designed for flexibility, scalability and profitability. With investment opportunities ranging from £35,000 to £150,000, franchisees can operate through traditional restaurants, takeaways, food trucks, catering trailers, delivery kitchens, kiosks and venue concessions.
The simplified operating model reduces reliance on highly skilled chefs while maintaining consistent food quality. Franchise partners benefit from comprehensive training, operational guidance, marketing assistance, site selection support and access to established systems.
With ambitions to become a household name across the UK, Papa Ji is actively seeking franchise partners who share its passion for fresh food, exceptional flavours and outstanding customer service.
Why franchise with PAPA JI
- Low Initial Investment - Franchise opportunities starting from £35,000, with reported gross profit margins of up to 70%.
- Award-Winning Brand - Recognised for its signature chicken dishes, innovative flavours and established reputation.Flexible Franchise Models - Opportunities across restaurants, takeaways, food trucks, catering trailers, kiosks and delivery kitchens.
- Comprehensive Training & Support - Full training, site selection assistance, marketing support and ongoing operational guidance.
- Scalable Business Model - Simplified operations, low overheads and opportunities for multi-unit ownership and nationwide expansion.
Investment breakdown
| Minimum investment | £35,000 |
|---|---|
| Maximum investment | £150,000 |
| Total investment (typical site) | £35,000 to £150,000 |
What's expected of a franchisee
Property requirements
Papa Ji offers a flexible franchise model suitable for a wide range of commercial properties and locations across the UK. The brand is seeking high-footfall sites in busy high streets, shopping centres, food courts, retail parks, transport hubs and other suitable commercial locations.
Property requirements vary depending on the franchise format:
Takeaway Units: 600-1,200 sq ft.
Restaurants: 2,000-4,000 sq ft.
Express Kiosks: 1,500-3,000 sq ft.
Drive-Thru Units: From 600 sq ft.
Food Trucks & Catering Trailers: 400-1,000 sq ft.
Pubs, Hotels & Food Courts: Flexible spaces suitable for food preparation and service.
Delivery Kitchens: Existing commercial kitchens suitable for takeaway and delivery operations.
Papa Ji also welcomes opportunities to collaborate with existing hospitality businesses and convert suitable premises into branded outlets.
The company provides assistance with site selection, store design, fit-out and conversion of existing premises. Its adaptable operating model allows franchisees to choose locations and formats that suit their investment budget and local market demand.
Specific minimum footfall, parking and population requirements are subject to confirmation.
Training and support
Initial Training: Full training covering food preparation, operational procedures, product quality and day-to-day business management.
Site Selection & Store Setup: Assistance with finding suitable premises, converting existing locations and managing the store build and setup process.
Opening & Operational Support: Guidance from the Papa Ji management team to help franchisees launch successfully, maintain standards and maximise sales.
Marketing & Lead Generation: Support with promotional activities, marketing strategies and lead generation to help attract customers and grow the business.
Business & Financial Support: Access to business advice, bookkeeping and accounting assistance where required.
Ongoing Training & Development: Continued guidance from the management team, alongside access to Papa Ji’s online training university, designed to provide franchisees with operational resources and answers to common questions.
Technology & Systems: Access to Papa Ji’s established operating systems and technology to support efficient business management.
Papa Ji aims to build long-term relationships with its franchise partners, providing the tools, knowledge and ongoing assistance needed to support sustainable growth and multi-unit ownership.
Operational requirements
Papa Ji offers a flexible and streamlined franchise operating model designed to minimise overheads, simplify day-to-day management and support business growth.
The brand’s simplified food preparation system reduces reliance on highly skilled chefs, making operations more accessible to franchisees. Franchise partners receive comprehensive training and ongoing support from the Papa Ji management team to maintain consistent food quality, customer service and operational standards.
Franchisees can choose from various operating formats, including standalone restaurants, takeaways, food trucks, catering trailers, express kiosks, delivery kitchens and concessions within existing hospitality venues.
The business model is designed to keep equipment requirements and operating costs low, while providing opportunities for expansion and multi-unit ownership.
Franchisees are expected to oversee daily operations, maintain brand standards, manage their teams and deliver excellent customer service, with ongoing guidance and operational support from Papa Ji.
Specific staffing requirements, opening hours, franchisee involvement, equipment specifications and licensing requirements will depend on the chosen format and location and should be confirmed directly with Papa Ji.
Experience required
Papa Ji is seeking motivated, ambitious and business-minded franchise partners who share the brand’s passion for quality food, exceptional customer service and business growth.
Ideal candidates would demonstrate strong leadership, excellent communication skills, commercial awareness and a commitment to maintaining Papa Ji’s high operational standards.
The brand’s simplified operating model and comprehensive training programme support franchisees in managing their businesses effectively, while its flexible formats offer opportunities for both single-site operators and ambitious multi-unit investors.
Previous hospitality or business management experience may be beneficial, although specific experience requirements should be confirmed directly with Papa Ji.
Territory availability
Gallery
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