The Souvlaki

About The Souvlaki

Athens-born head chef Valentinos Varelas and former London headteacher Sandy Tsagdi founded Greek traditional souvlaki and gyros business The Souvlaki in 2015, launching with a unit at Kingston Ancient Market before opened their first restaurant, in Kingston Upon Thames, in 2018. This was followed by four openings in 2022 and being crowned Best takeaway in Greater London at

JustEat Restaurant Awards in 2023. It now has nine UK locations. “We import and use traditional natural Greek products like the Cretan extra virgin olive oil, feta cheese, olives, original Cypriot halloumi, Greek pita bread and homemade sauces,” the founders said. “Our food is made from high quality ingredients, and the great taste comes from the always freshly cooked meat and the secret homemade sauces that set our products apart from our competitors.” In December 2025, The Souvlaki signed a franchise deal to expand to India. It signed a master franchise agreement with Franchise India Brand, which it said marks the first entry of a Greek quick service restaurant brand into India. Franchise India Brand said the partnership “aims to introduce Greek street food to India’s growing urban consumer base, particularly millennials and Generation Z, who are increasingly exploring international cuisines”. Gaurav Marya, chairman and founder of Franchise India Brands, said: “Franchise India is always on the lookout for global brands that resonate with Indian consumers and have the potential to bring exciting new cuisines to the market. The Souvlaki’s authentic Greek fast food and impeccable reputation in London make it an ideal brand to introduce in India’s thriving QSR sector.” Varelas and Tsagdi added: “Our entry into India through Franchise India marks a landmark in The Souvlaki’s journey and a proud moment for our brand. Our multi award-winning souvlaki and gyros will set new benchmarks and redefine India’s fast-food experience.”

Why franchise with The Souvlaki

• ✓The first franchise model is adding The Souvlaki to your existing restaurant's kitchen (delivery only), which takes as little as two weeks to get up and running, offering easy to execute and profitable menus. Full staff training is provided and a premises with commercial kitchen space is required. Franchise fee is £2,000 plus VAT, with royalty fee 4% and level of investment under £5,000. The second franchise model is for existing restaurant or food business owners to convert into a The Souvlaki restaurant. Franchise fee is £12,000 plus VAT, with royalty fee 4% and level of investment £15,000- £50,000. The third franchise model is opening a new The Souvlaki restaurant in your chosen area. Options here are takeaway and home delivery only (lower budget), casual dine-in with takeaway and home delivery, and fine dining
• ✓Restaurant with takeaway and home delivery. Franchise fee is £12,000 plus VAT, with royalty fee 4% and level of investment £70,000-£300,000. The fourth franchise model opening multiple The Souvlaki sites and developing a network. Pricing and costs are negotiable for individuals or companies looking to set up three branches or more. Franchisees get the right to use the brand systems and innovative menu for five years with the right to renew; exclusive territory in the chosen area; assistance with site selection; bespoke shop fitting support and help with purchasing of equipment and kitchen design; franchise operations manual; home delivery set up and delivery management support; staff training and ongoing support, marketing support including collaborations with food bloggers; technology, POS, digital food safety and digital menu; health and safety and HR Support; frequent site visits and access to recipes and supplies without having to negotiate with suppliers. “The Souvlaki had an explosive growth in the home delivery market before, during and after covid,” the founders said. “We are now expanding our business through the nation. We are looking for individuals or companies that are hard-working, team focused, enthusiastic and dedicated to providing outstanding The Souvlaki experience.”

Investment breakdown