Wok&Go

About Wok&Go

Founded in Chester in 2008, Wok and Go is a Chinese noodle takeaway bar that brings the exotic Oriental and Asian tastes of China, Korea and Japan to the front door. It has since expanded across the north west, Yorkshire, Midlands and south east, growing to 18 sites. It also introduced several virtual kitchen concepts across its sites in 2018, all of which are treated as fully-fledged brands and marketed as unique delivery experiences. It is looking to open circa 100 more stores in the UK over the next ten years. Internationally, it has expanded into Portugal and Bahrain and plans 20 new stores there over the next ten years, and having also launched in Dubai, is working to secure more sites internationally. In December 2020, Pheby Food Concepts Group set out plans to open circa 130 sites over the next five years. It also operates Crepe Delicious and virtual brands The Ramen Co, Jack Burrito, Go Pho and The Artisan Wrap Co. The company said: “Wok&Go is continuing to expand nationwide and has become the UK’s number one noodle bar chain. We have also expanded internationally, having opened stores in the Middle East, with mainland Europe and the USA coming soon.” In August 2023, Wok&Go offered up the franchise of its High Wycombe store, following an unexpected closure, to armed forces veterans looking to start their own business. That same month, it introduced a new dark kitchen franchise as a lower entry point for franchisees, with the first to open later this year (see below).

Why franchise with Wok&Go

• ✓Wok&Go has franchises across the UK and is expanding internationally, with stores in Kuwait and Dubai. The company says: “Our flexible model lends itself perfectly to franchise, with healthy returns and plenty of support from our experienced teams.” It offers a full turnkey service and flexible options for franchisees, with support every step of the way from locating and equipping premises to securing funding and offering guidance on HR and hiring a team. Stores are available in high street, shopping centre, retail park and leisure schemes, with the minimum size 700-1,500 square feet on the ground floor, and 400 square feet for smaller food court locations. The company offers design, build and project management to all franchisees, and shop-fits and competitive rates. It will help identify and negotiate a suitable location, with extensive access to property and “amazing opportunities in busy locations” waiting to be matched with franchisees. No previous retail or catering experience is necessary, but some management experience is an advantage. Wok&Go has proven to be a popular franchise choice with those starting a new career path and with no background in the industry. The process involves speaking to a business development manager, filling out documents and sorting franchise deposits, payment of franchise fee, talking to agents about sites, induction into the business and sorting of dates. Minimum investment is £100,000 and total investment £200,000+VAT, with a £20,000 franchise fee. Expected revenue after two years is £550,000, with royalty fees 7% of net sales +VAT, and advertising fees 3% +VAT. The company added: “To our knowledge, we are the only franchisor to offer a managed option where the franchisor operates the store on behalf of the franchisee, offering a guaranteed return.” In August 2023, Wok&Go owner Pheby Food Concepts Group introduced a new dark kitchen franchise as a lower entry point for franchisees, with the first to open later this year. “It’s fair to say buying a franchise from us, or indeed any food brand, is not cheap – circa £200,000 all in for ours, and that’s a mid-market in the sector,” founder Des Pheby said. “We have been looking for ways to substantially lower this entry point cost while adding to the value of our brand. From 1 October, we will launch our dark/ghost kitchen franchise to the sector. It will include our Wok&Go brand and four other internal brands. From £200,000 to under £4,000 fully fitted, all inclusive of licence fee, opening stock, training and a low fixed weekly fee of £250. We aren’t new to dark kitchens, we have been operating them from some of our existing stores for years, and now is time to launch this in its own dedicated locations. We expect to have our first location in the north west of the UK up and running before the end of this year. We are looking for freehold locations to buy in secondary town locations in the north of the UK, with potential for residential conversion of the upper floors and ground floor space, 500-800 square feet.”

Investment breakdown