Phat Buns

About Phat Buns

Founded in 2019 by brothers and smash burger enthusiasts Oubed and Ahtesham Moosa, the pair spent three weeks travelling around the US to research smash burgers before opening their debut store in Leicester. They have since grown the concept to 20 sites, the latest site opening in February 2026, in Romford. Their fourth store, which opened in Radford in 2022, was their inaugural kiosk location, while it introduced a franchise programme that same year. In 2023, it converted a former Burger King site in Derby into a Phat Buns restaurant with a kids’ soft play area upstairs, while later that year came the brand’s London debut, in Bayswater. Co-owner Hussein Sacranie early in 2024 that Phat Buns had a current pipeline to reach 20 sites in the UK and was working on deals for international locations in Canada and the UAE. “We are a unique and independent quick-service brand offering an ultimate range of burgers, shakes, wings, and hot dogs,” the business said. “Our signature dish is our smash burger. Everything is made fresh to order and perfection, creating distinctive and indulgent taste experiences. We are a fast-casual operation with dine-in and takeaway options. Our interiors are vibrant, colourful and exciting; the orange and black branded colour scheme and distinctive lighting add a trendy, cutting-edge ambience. Our stores have become the place to visit at all times of the day and for all age groups.” In December 2024, Phat Buns said it is set to open a new headquarters as it prepares for “big things” in 2025. “When we first started, Phat Buns and Doorstep Desserts were born out of humble beginnings, with operations scattered across Leicester,” Sacranie said. “Now it’s time to take things to the next level. We’re in the midst of creating a new headquarters, a space where all the magic will happen under one roof. This isn’t just an office, it’s the beating heart of our brands, where the future of Phat Buns and Doorstep Desserts will be shaped. 2025 is set to be a game changing year for us, and this new headquarters is just the start.” The following month, Phat Buns said it would make its international debut in 2025, with an opening planned in the UAE. The company later said its forthcoming debut international site in the UAE is “just the beginning” and the business is “going global”. In June 2025, the team behind Phat Buns launched a new virtual brand, Phat Ville. “Last weekend, Phat Ville became its own stand-alone brand on Uber Eats,” Sacranie said. “Overnight, we dropped 17 new outlets across the UK, without adding a single square foot of space. Let that sink in: 17 virtual restaurants, zero extra rent, zero new kitchens. Just smart, scalable growth. This is just the beginning. From one kitchen, our partners can now run: Phat Buns, Phat Ville, Doorstep Desserts and two more launching soon. That’s five brands, one unit, 85 outlets nationwide. This is what modern franchising looks like: multi-brand, multi-platform, high-return, low-overhead.” That same month, the team also launched fried chicken brand, Get Chicken’d. “Even while I’m halfway across the world preparing to launch our latest Phat Buns store in Sharjah, UAE, this week, I’m proud to finally unveil something we’ve been quietly cooking behind the scenes,” said Sacranie. “Introducing Get Chicken’d, the next iconic fried chicken brand about to take the UK by storm. But what makes this even more special to me is where it all begins - right here in Leicester. The same streets where we gave birth to Doorstep Desserts and Phat Buns. Back to our roots; back to where the grind started. Get Chicken’d is ready to ruffle feathers.” The first Get Chicken’d site opened in July 2025, in Bede Island, Leicester. In August 2025, the Phat Buns tea, launched Flippin Doner, an online only kebab concept. Sacranie said: “After months of planning, tasting and tweaking, I’m proud to introduce our newest concept under the Phat Buns family, Flippin Doner. This one hits different. Because this time, I built it from scratch, concept to creation, with every detail crafted to flip the doner world on its head. Here’s the twist - Flippin Doner lives online. Delivered straight from our Phat Buns kitchens to your door - no queues, no compromises. Oh, and here’s the real kicker. This is the third concept added within a Phat Buns store, taking us to four separate revenue streams from one location.”

Why franchise with Phat Buns

• ✓The franchise fee is £20,000+VAT, covering a five-year renewable license, full training and an operations manual. The typical cost for setting up an Express store (10-20 seats) is £250,000-£300,000+VAT. The typical cost for setting up a Diner store (40-60 seats) is £350,000-£500,000+VAT. The company will assist with site selection, site development and franchise training – including an intensive training course at head office and support from an experienced store operative during the first few weeks. Royalty fee is £2,000+VAT in year one and £2,500+VAT thereafter. Marketing fee is £500+VAT and ROI is average of 18-24 months. Working capital of £25,000 is required for Express stores, and £40,000 for Diners. Franchisees can expect exceptional brand values; continuous customer service training and hands-on support; extensive food management experience with over 50 years of hospitality experience in a team approach; and strong marketing to help grow the business. “We are dedicated to helping you establish success and grow with our brand,” the company said. “As part of the Phat Buns family, you will enjoy a strong support network that will spur the growth of your business. There is no fixed cost as costs vary based on multiple factors such as the location, configuration and size of store. Ideally, we would prefer our franchise partners to have previous food experience, however, this is not essential. We would prefer those with experience in running a business as we will provide full training.
• ✓Training is split between technical training at our head office and practical training in your own store.
• ✓The cost of the initial training is included within the franchise licence fee. The only items not covered are your own travel, accommodation and food.”

Investment breakdown