As a leading coffee shop franchise, we’ve been helping UK franchisees reach their full potential for over two decades. As a result, we are well equipped to answer the most frequently asked questions about franchising to ensure you can make decisions armed with all the facts.
- Franchise Costs & Financial Requirements
- Franchisee Qualitities
- What to Expect From an Esquires Franchise
- Choosing Esquires & Applying to Become a Franchisee
How Much Does an Esquires Franchise Cost?
Total investment for an Esquires franchise is generally around £270,000-£300,000. However, the final cost can depend on factors such as the store size, location and property condition. This total covers the initial franchise fee, equipment, store fit-out and hiring support.
How Much Capital Investment is Required?
Prospective franchisees must provide a minimum capital investment of £100,000.
How Much is the Initial Esquires Franchise Fee & When is it Paid?
The Esquires franchise fee is £19,500. This is a one-off payment made when you sign the franchise agreement. The franchise fee grants you the right to operate under the Esquires brand. Bear in mind that it is one part of the total investment.
How Much is the Ongoing Esquires Royalty Fee & How is it Paid?
The royalty fee is 6% of gross sales (sales net of VAT) payable weekly via Direct Debit. The franchise owner must use the EPOS system we designate. The POS system will be polled to keep track of sales.
Royalty fees cover ongoing business support, training and continued use of the Esquires brand.
How Much is the Esquires Franchise Marketing Fee?
The marketing fee is 2% of gross sales (sales net of VAT) and is collected on a weekly basis via Direct Debit, along with your weekly royalty fee.
The marketing fee is used for the creation, production and placement of national promotional materials, public relations, market research, brand recognition and in-house staff coordinating these efforts.
How Profitable Are Esquires Coffee Shops?
Various factors will affect performance, but basic projections based on historical data show:
- Estimated average net sales per annum: £475,000
- Net profit ratio/margin: 14.5%
Note that Esquires do not guarantee that any particular performance will be attained; these are projections only.
Do I Need Previous Experience in the Coffee Industry?
No. While relevant experience is always going to be a bonus, previous experience in the coffee industry is not a mandatory requirement. If we think you’re a good fit for Esquires, you’ll receive all the necessary training before opening your store.
What Do We Look For in Prospective Franchisees?
Entrepreneurs come in many forms, but there are a few key characteristics we look for in a franchise partner. As well as having the necessary financial qualifications, we look for people who love working with and motivating a team. Prospective franchisees should have a strong work ethic, a proven track record and entrepreneurial enthusiasm – all basic ingredients in the recipe for a successful business.
We also want to work with people who share our ethos of prioritising ethical and sustainable business practices, as well as embracing our community-focused outlook that puts each Esquires coffee shop at the heart of its neighbourhood.
Is This a Hands-On Role?
Yes. For the most part, Esquires franchise ownership is typically very hands-on, with the majority of our franchisees (particularly single-store owners) taking the lead in daily operations and being responsible for the day-to-day running and management of the store.
What is Included in the Esquires Franchise Agreement?
When you sign the franchise agreement, you get access to our brand name, trademarks, recipes, operational systems and décor. You will also receive support in the following areas:
- Facility planning, on-site location and architectural design.
- Specifications for fixtures, equipment and leasehold improvements.
- Site selection and lease negotiation.
- Corporate training for Owner/Operator and team.
- Ongoing support from members of the Training and Operations Team.
- Ongoing updates for increasing profitability.
- Efficiency in all systems.
- Favourable contracts with suppliers of goods and services.
- Operations manuals, policies, procedures and business management systems.
- Marketing promotions and support.
Does Esquires Help Find & Secure the Coffee Shop Location?
Yes. We work with a team of people committed to sourcing and identifying successful properties.
From researchers to commercial property agents and solicitors, our partners will help negotiate, review and prepare all the necessary documents.
How Long Does it Take to Open an Esquires Coffee Franchise?
Typically, the process can take 6-8 months from signing to opening. This will include signing the franchise agreement, securing the premises, ensuring all of the legal documents are in order, designing the store, tendering, store fit-out, training and opening the store.
The exact period will be largely dependent on how long it takes to find and acquire suitable premises.
What Training Is Provided Before Opening?
All new Esquires franchise partners participate in our dedicated pre-store opening training program, which will ensure you’re fully prepared to open a successful coffee shop. This programme includes initial classroom training with our Operations Team, which will cover the brand and its mission.
You will also spend time at our Head Office with key members of the management team discussing marketing, accounting and the overall Esquires Coffee philosophy.
Will I Get Ongoing Support?
Yes. Along with initial corporate training, you will receive a package of ongoing support to ensure your store is set up for success.
How Long Does an Esquires Franchise Agreement Last?
The exact length of the franchise agreement depends on the length of the lease term of the property in which your coffee shop is based. This is typically for an initial period of 10-15 years.
Is the Franchise Agreement Renewable?
Yes. Esquires franchises are eligible for renewal, provided the franchise owner is in good standing with payments and the lease is renewable with the property landlord.
Can I Open More Than One Esquires Store?
Yes. Our multi-store and regional franchise agreements allow you to operate more than one coffee shop, providing a great opportunity for you to expand your reach and build on your success.
What Makes Esquires Different?
But why choose us over other high-street names? As an ethical coffee franchise, we put people and the planet first. This means using only the very best organic, sustainable, Fairtrade coffee, sourced from farming cooperatives that we’ve built genuine relationships with. It is not just about serving coffee that tastes good; it has to have a good story too.
We’re keen to build spaces that become authentic parts of the communities they sit within. While each store offers the same great products and service, no two coffee shops feel exactly the same, allowing our franchisees to establish a unique feel that captures local spirit. Esquires coffee shops are places where customers can relax, socialise, work and feel welcome.
Find out more about the Esquires ethos.
How Do I Become an Esquires Franchisee?
If you think you’ve got what it takes to become an Esquires franchisee, we’d love to hear from you. To begin your franchisee journey, you must register your interest with our online franchise application.
This provides a chance to tell us a bit about yourself, your experience and franchise expectations. There are no obligations at this stage; this is an initial screening form.
What Happens After I Apply?
After you’ve submitted your application, our franchise team will get in touch with the next steps. You can expect to hear back from us within the next business day with a phone call to chat through your application and questions.
Provided you meet the basic requirements, you will then sign an NDA before getting access to budget projections and confidential information to help inform your decisions. You will be asked to submit a formal application that includes your business plan, proof of funds and other details.
Following this formal application, we will conduct in-person meetings and begin the onboarding process. Our franchise team will be on hand at every step of the way to make your journey as smooth as possible.