The Pepes franchise cost in the UK in 2026 typically starts from around £300,000, which covers the restaurant fit out, franchise licence fee, equipment, and setup costs required to open a store.

According to official franchising information, the fit-out alone starts from about £260,000 + VAT, while the franchise licence fee is £15,000 + VAT. The final investment can vary depending on location, store size, and operational costs.

If you are considering investing in a fast-growing chicken franchise, understanding the full financial commitment is essential before making a decision.

Key takeaways about Pepes franchise cost:

• Minimum investment usually starts from £300,000
• Restaurant fit-out begins at £260,000 + VAT
• Franchise licence fee is £15,000 + VAT
• Monthly franchise and marketing fees apply
• Strong brand growth across the UK fast food market

This guide explains startup costs, ongoing fees, franchise requirements, and potential ROI, helping you understand whether opening a Pepes franchise in the UK is the right business opportunity.

How Much Does A Pepes Franchise Cost In The UK In 2026?

The Pepes franchise cost in the UK in 2026 generally starts from around £300,000, making it a mid-range investment compared with other UK fast food franchise opportunities.

This investment typically covers the store fit-out, kitchen equipment, furniture, branding, and the franchise licence needed to operate under the Pepe’s Piri Piri brand.

According to the official franchise prospectus, a typical store requires a minimum space of around 1400 square feet, and the restaurant fit-out costs alone usually start from £260,000 + VAT. This cost includes interior design, kitchen installation, equipment setup, and brand-specific store design.

The total startup budget also includes operational preparation such as staff recruitment, initial food stock, and marketing before the store opens.

While £300,000 is considered the starting investment, the total cost can increase depending on factors such as property location, local rent, and construction requirements.

Below is a simplified overview of the expected investment structure:

Because Pepe’s operates in high-demand urban locations, costs can increase if you choose a prime location in cities such as London, Birmingham, or Manchester.

What Is The Full Investment Breakdown For A Pepes Franchise?

Before opening a Pepe’s store, you need to understand where the investment goes and how each cost contributes to launching the business successfully.

The franchise system provides a clear structure for new franchisees, but the investment includes several components beyond the licence fee.

Many investors focus only on the minimum investment figure, but the real cost of launching a successful restaurant includes equipment, training preparation, staffing, and early marketing.

What Are The Main Startup Expenses When Opening A Pepes Store?

Opening a Pepe’s restaurant involves multiple setup costs that prepare the business for operation. These expenses ensure the store follows brand standards and delivers a consistent customer experience.

Key startup expenses include:

• Franchise licence fee that grants the legal right to operate under the Pepe’s brand
• Restaurant fit-out, which includes construction, interior design, and kitchen installation
• Kitchen equipment such as grills, ovens, refrigeration units, and preparation stations
• Signage and branding, including exterior signage and branded interior elements
• Furniture and seating required for dining areas
• Initial inventory, including food supplies and packaging materials
• Staff recruitment and training before the restaurant launches
• Launch marketing campaigns to attract customers during the opening phase

Below is a typical investment breakdown used by many franchise applicants:

“When I first started researching the franchise, the biggest surprise was the fit out cost,” explains a Pepes franchise owner. “The brand requires a very specific layout and kitchen setup. Once the restaurant was finished though, it looked exactly like the established stores across the UK. That consistency actually helps customers recognise the brand immediately. It makes launching the business much easier because people already trust the name.”

What Does The Pepes Franchise Licence Fee Include?

The Pepes franchise licence fee is £15,000 + VAT, and it provides franchisees with the legal rights and operational tools required to run a Pepe’s restaurant. While the fee itself is relatively small compared with the total investment, it unlocks access to the brand’s proven business model and support systems.

For many new entrepreneurs, this fee is one of the most valuable parts of the investment because it gives access to structured training and established operational systems.

What Benefits Do You Receive After Paying The Franchise Fee?

Once the licence fee is paid and the franchise agreement is signed, the franchisee gains access to several important resources that help manage the restaurant efficiently.

Benefits included in the franchise licence fee:

• 15-year renewable franchise licence to operate a Pepe’s restaurant
• Full franchise training programme for the owner and management team
• Access to Pepe’s intranet platform containing operational manuals
• Use of Pepe’s mobile application system
• Access to the online training portal
• Access to the marketing portal for promotional campaigns
• Centralised ordering and supply systems
• Mystery shopper and store audit tools to maintain quality standards

“The training and systems were one of the main reasons I chose this franchise,” says a Pepe’s operator. “Even though I did not come from a restaurant background, the training centre walked us through every step. From food preparation to managing staff schedules, everything was documented clearly. That structure made the learning curve much easier than starting a restaurant from scratch.”

These tools allow franchise owners to focus on managing the business while following a tested operational system.

What Ongoing Fees Do Pepes Franchise Owners Pay?

When running a Pepe’s franchise, you will also need to pay ongoing operational fees that support the brand network and marketing activities. These fees help maintain brand visibility, provide ongoing operational support, and fund national marketing campaigns.

Understanding these recurring costs is important because they affect your long-term profitability.

What Is The Monthly Franchise Fee?

The monthly franchise fee starts from approximately £1,885.64 + VAT, and the amount is calculated based on the number of chairs inside your restaurant. Larger restaurants usually pay higher fees because they generate more revenue and require greater operational support.

This fee contributes to maintaining the overall franchise system and ensures that all franchisees receive consistent support from the head office.

The monthly franchise fee helps fund:

• Brand management and franchise operations
• Business support for franchise owners
• Operational updates and new procedures
• Store audits and performance monitoring
• Franchise network management

Because the fee is fixed rather than based on sales percentage, some franchisees find it easier to predict their monthly operating costs.

What Is The National Marketing Fee?

In addition to the franchise fee, Pepe’s also charges a national marketing fee of approximately £493.85 + VAT per month. This fee helps fund brand-wide marketing initiatives designed to attract customers across the UK.

Marketing support typically includes:

• National advertising campaigns
• Digital marketing promotions
• Social media brand development
• Marketing materials for stores
• Campaign management for product launches

These campaigns benefit every franchise location by strengthening the brand and increasing customer awareness.

“Marketing support is one of the biggest advantages of being part of the franchise,” explains a Pepe’s restaurant operator. “When the brand launches national promotions, every store benefits. Customers already recognise the products from online campaigns and social media. That means we do not need to spend huge amounts on local advertising. The brand already brings people through the door.”

Together, the franchise fee and marketing fee help maintain brand quality and drive customer demand across the entire franchise network.

What Other Costs Should You Expect When Opening A Pepes Franchise?

Beyond the core investment and franchise fees, you should also budget for several operational expenses that occur when opening and running a restaurant. These additional costs vary depending on location and store size.

For example, restaurants in busy city centres may face higher rent and staffing costs compared with suburban locations.

Typical operational expenses include:

• commercial rent or property lease
• staff wages and payroll expenses
• food supply purchases
• utility bills, including electricity and gas
• insurance coverage
• maintenance and equipment servicing
• local advertising campaigns

Below is an overview of some common operational expenses:

Careful budgeting helps ensure your restaurant remains financially stable during the early months of operation.

What Are The Requirements To Open A Pepes Franchise In The UK?

Pepes looks for franchise partners who are motivated, financially capable, and willing to actively manage their restaurant operations. While previous catering experience can be helpful, it is not required. The company focuses more on leadership ability and dedication to running a successful business.

Typical franchise requirements include:

• Access to sufficient capital for the investment
• Strong work ethic and commitment
• Ability to manage a team of employees
• Good communication skills
• Basic numeracy and financial understanding
• Willingness to follow the franchise system
• Ability to communicate in English

Franchisees are expected to take a hands-on role in the business rather than treating the restaurant as a passive investment. Pepe prefers operators who are actively involved in daily operations.

Applicants must also provide financial information during the application process to demonstrate that they can support the investment required.

What Training And Support Does Pepes Provide To Franchise Owners?

One of the biggest advantages of investing in a franchise rather than starting an independent restaurant is the level of support available. Pepe’s provides structured training and ongoing assistance to help franchisees operate their restaurants successfully.

What Training Do New Franchisees Receive?

New franchisees receive comprehensive training that covers every aspect of operating a Pepe’s restaurant. This training usually takes place at the company’s dedicated training centre or directly in store.

Training typically includes:

• Food preparation and kitchen operations
• Health and safety procedures
• Staff management techniques
• Inventory control
• Customer service standards
• Financial reporting and sales monitoring

The programme is supported by an online training platform that includes multiple courses designed to help staff understand daily operations.

What Ongoing Support Does The Brand Provide?

After the restaurant opens, franchisees continue receiving operational support from the Pepe’s team.

Ongoing support usually includes:

• assistance with site selection and store setup
• operational guidance from experienced managers
• access to marketing resources
• supply chain and ingredient sourcing
• performance monitoring and store audits
• technology systems for ordering and reporting

This ongoing support helps ensure that each location maintains consistent quality standards across the franchise network.

How Profitable Is A Pepes Franchise In The UK?

The profitability of a Pepe’s franchise depends on several factors, including location, management quality, and customer demand. While exact earnings vary between locations, well-managed stores can generate consistent revenue thanks to the brand’s popularity.

What Factors Influence Franchise Profits?

Several key factors influence the profitability of a Pepe’s restaurant.

Important factors include:

• store location and foot traffic
• operational efficiency
• staff management
• food cost control
• customer service quality
• local competition

Industry estimates suggest that restaurant franchises can generate profit margins between 6 per cent and 8 per cent of sales, although performance can vary depending on the specific store.

Because Pepe’s continues to expand across the UK, new franchise locations may benefit from strong brand awareness and repeat customers.

How Does Pepes Compare With Other UK Fast Food Franchises?

Pepes stands out within the UK fast food franchise market due to its strong focus on peri peri chicken and its rapidly growing store network. The brand has expanded quickly across the UK and continues to attract entrepreneurs interested in the food service industry.

Compared with other restaurant franchises:

• The investment level is moderate
• The brand has strong recognition among younger customers
• The menu focuses on a popular food category
• Franchisees receive structured training and support

Because of these factors, Pepe’s is often considered a competitive option for investors exploring fast food franchise opportunities.

How Can You Apply For A Pepes Franchise In The UK?

Applying for a Pepe’s franchise involves a structured process designed to ensure that potential franchisees are suitable for the brand.

The typical application process includes:

• contacting Pepe’s franchising team
• Requesting a franchise application form
• submitting financial information
• discussing potential store locations
• reviewing the franchise agreement
• completing training before launch

Applicants can begin the process by contacting the franchising team through the official website or email. Once approved, franchisees move forward with property selection, store construction, and training before opening their restaurant.

Is A Pepes Franchise Worth The Investment In 2026?

For entrepreneurs interested in the fast food sector, Pepe’s offers a recognised brand, a structured franchise system, and strong demand for its signature peri peri chicken menu. The investment required is significant, but the brand’s growth across the UK suggests strong market demand.

Franchisees benefit from established marketing systems, operational support, and a proven restaurant concept. However, success still depends heavily on location selection and management quality. If you are willing to invest the required capital and actively manage the business, a Pepe’s franchise could become a profitable long-term venture.

Conclusion

Opening a Pepe’s franchise in the UK requires a substantial investment, typically starting from around £300,000. This investment covers the franchise licence, restaurant fit-out, equipment, and operational preparation needed to launch the business.

While the financial commitment is significant, the franchise offers structured training, ongoing support, and access to a recognised brand within the fast-growing UK fast food market.

Before making a decision, it is important to evaluate the total investment, operational responsibilities, and long-term business goals. With the right location, strong management, and commitment to customer service, a Pepe’s franchise has the potential to become a successful restaurant business in 2026 and beyond.

FAQs

What Is The Minimum Investment For A Pepes Franchise In The UK?

The minimum investment usually starts from around £300,000, depending on the store size and location. This amount typically covers fit out, equipment, and franchise licensing costs.

How Long Does It Take To Open A Pepes Franchise?

Opening a Pepe’s franchise usually takes several months, depending on property selection and construction requirements. The process includes training, approvals, and store setup before launch.

Do You Need Restaurant Experience To Open A Pepes Franchise?

Restaurant experience is helpful but not required. The brand provides full training to help new franchisees learn how to operate the business.

How Long Is The Pepes Franchise Agreement?

The franchise licence typically provides a 15-year renewable agreement. This allows franchisees to operate their restaurant under the Pepe’s brand for a long period.

Can You Finance A Pepes Franchise Investment?

Some UK banks provide franchise financing options for qualified applicants. However, you still need significant capital to secure the investment.

Can You Open Multiple Pepes Franchise Locations?

Yes, successful franchisees may expand and operate multiple stores. Multi-unit ownership is possible once the first restaurant performs well.

Can You Sell Your Pepes Franchise Later?

Yes, franchise owners can sell their business in the future. However, the new buyer must be approved by the franchising team.