Wok to Walk

About Wok to Walk

Asian health food concept Wok to Walk started in Amsterdam in 2004 after the founders had visited Asia, and from starting out in a small restaurant in the Dutch capital, it now has more than 100 sites worldwide, including five in the UK. The company said: “Wok to Walk is the number one wok kitchen chain in Europe and it also operates restaurants in all five continents. Our unique concept and franchise system have proven to be a great success in all sorts of locations, breaking records year after year. However, we are only getting started. We plan to become number one in the world, without losing one bit of the authenticity and motivation that brought us here in the first place.” Gerry’s Group, a multinational company operating more than 50 Costa Coffee locations in the UK, is the UK master franchisee. In August 2022, the company announced it would be opening a first site under a new sister concept - which will see Wok to Walk expand its offer with additions including bao buns - in London’s Oxford Circus. In June 2023, the company closed its Birmingham location (following a closure in Leicester six months before) and said it is seeking more “Triple A” locations for expansion. A spokesperson said: "We are looking to expand in the UK, including Birmingham, in top locations. We're about to open a second unit in Manchester, and looking for more locations in London and the other cities where we currently operate. The unit we had in Birmingham was successful, but our strategy has evolved towards a more iconic, triple A kind of location.”

Why franchise with Wok to Walk

• ✓Wok to Walk is on the lookout for well capitalised companies capable of investing in the short and long term, with ideal partners ready to open and run several restaurants in adjacent territories. Previous experience is preferred, if not essential, and an excellent network to secure prime real estate locations is key. The total franchise cost varies from restaurant to restaurant and depends on many factors, but it usually is somewhere between €235,000-€550,000. Results depend largely on a number of factors, but some Wok to Walk restaurants have a profitability of up to 25% Ebitda. At this moment of its expansion plan, Wok to Walk prefers to collaborate with franchisees who can open and manage several venues in a short span. Investment level is £150,000-£300,000, and average unit volume £780,000, with the initial franchise fee £45,000 (including training fee). Minimum financial worth is £1m and minimum liquidity £500,000, while royalties are set at 6% and advertising fees 2%. Average floor space for a unit is 500 square feet. The Wok to Walk model is flexible and works in locations from flagship stores in premium areas to hole-in-the-wall spots and shopping centres. The concept also works well throughout the day. The company has developed an intensive training programme for franchisees and employees, and its headquarters team works with its partners in a mixture of tailored consultancy and support tools focused on the different aspects of the business. It said: “Our concept has been tested and proven to be a success in all sorts of territories and venues, from New York to Riyadh. 92% of our franchisees operate more than one unit, and many of them are multi-brand corporations.”

Investment breakdown