Wagamama

About Wagamama

Wagamama is a British restaurant franchise, inspired predominantly by Japanese cuisine. The brand has locations across the UK and has also expanded overseas, with over 60 restaurants across Europe, the US, and the UAE.

The brand is well established and highly popular, with a range of cookbooks and food products that support extend brand awareness among its audience. The brand features a variety of popular noodle and rice-based dishes and has increased its menus to include more vegan and health-conscious dishes, to embrace the growing market trend for more plant-based and healthier restaurant meals.

Alongside hot and cooked dishes, the restaurants also serve snacks, desserts, and a variety of Asian-themed soft and alcoholic drinks. The brand has also expanded into takeout and delivery services, further increasing Wagamama’s growth and popularity amongst the market.

For anyone passionate about Asian food, a franchise opportunity with Wagamama can be an exciting and potentially very successful prospect.

Where is the Wagamama franchise head office based?

The head office for the Wagamama brand is based in London.

How much does a Wagamama franchise cost?

To start a new franchise with Wagamama, the initial franchise fee costs £40,000. Franchise partners are also expected to have at least £40,000 in liquid capital available, and further costs may be incurred in setting up a restaurant, including legal fees, lease charges, recruitment and more.

Where can you find a territory for a Wagamama franchise or a Wagamama franchise for sale?

Territories for new franchise opportunities are available across several countries as the brand is continually expanding. For up to date information on currently available franchise territories, contact the Wagamama franchise team by completing the enquiry form found on this page.

Can you get any kind of financial support to start your own Wagamama franchise?

While Wagamama does not provide any kind of funding for franchises, potential franchisees may be able to raise financial help from most major high street banks. Typically, you may be expected to demonstrate evidence of liquid capital for part of the overall amount.

What sort of experience do you need to start a Wagamama franchise?

As a highly reputable and rapidly growing brand, Wagamama is keen to have highly experienced and committed partners responsible for its franchises. Potential candidates should have substantial previous experience in working with other large brands, as well as a good track record working in the retail industry. You should be able to demonstrate excellent leadership and management skills, and the ability to perform well under pressure.

Ideally, you should have previous restaurant management experience, at a high level, and it can be helpful to demonstrate experience working with a similar calibre of brand.

Anyone interested in becoming a franchise owner should also have a strong interest in Japanese cuisine, and be familiar with Wagamama’s ethos and approach to its products.

The right candidate will share the same values and motivations as the brand, and be strongly driven to succeed, with the ability to motivate a team, tackle any problems that arise calmly, and maintain a positive and enthusiastic approach.

For those looking to invest in a Wagamama restaurant but lack the relevant experience, the brand may still consider an application, provided that you have a partner who meets these requirements and is a successful multi-unit restaurant operator.

What kind of business prospects can you expect by owning a Wagamama franchise?

The restaurant industry in the UK is worth over £8 billion in the UK, and is continuing to grow every year, as demand and interest in eating out amongst consumers continues to develop.

The Wagamama brand has been enormously successful since its launch in 1992, and in 2017, reported a turnover of over £228 million. Its UK restaurants have been reported to earn £1.5 million a year, in sales.

The brand is well established in the UK, and commands a strong level of trust across the market, with new launches being met by exceptional levels of anticipation. With a growing international presence, the brand also has greater awareness amongst a global audience.

With continued growth, investing in a business with Wagamama can present interested franchise owners with excellent business prospects, with the brand’s high reputation and
position as a leader in the industry.

What kind of training and support is available with a Wagamama franchise?

Wagamama has a dedicated team to support and help new franchisees to develop a successful business. The brand will support new franchise owners will all stages of the business and its activities, beginning with support in identifying the best location for an ideal return on investment.

Wagamama start their franchisee training programme with a management process training, designed to train franchisees in all areas of running a business, and to help you establish the leadership skills needed to run the restaurant to its full potential. Each training programme is tailored to the individual needs of the franchisee, depending on previous experience and background, and may continue for a number of months, based on the franchise team’s evaluation of your ability and performance.

All franchise partners with Wagamama also benefit from marketing and advertising support, with new branches included in their regional and national advertising campaigns, as well as being featured on their main website.

As well as helping franchisees gain the appropriate business skills needed, Wagamama also ensure that all new partners understand how to meet and retain a consistent level of food quality, in line with the brand’s values and customer expectations.

How to get started on investing in your own Wagamama franchise

To find out more about starting a restaurant with Wagamama, you can contact the franchise team directly by completing the enquiry form on this page.

Even if there are no current territories advertised, the brand is always keen to hear from interested partners who meet their requirements. It can be useful to put together a brief profile detailing your experience and background, including details of any existing restaurants that you run or have worked with.