Everything you need to know
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Getting Started
How much does a TOAST franchise cost?
From £80,000 upfront — franchise fee (£14,000), recruitment & training (£10,000), rent deposit, pre-opening staff costs, legal fees and a marketing launch package. Equipment is covered via asset finance. A full breakdown is provided during the application process.
Do I need hospitality experience?
It helps, but it's not essential. Passion, people skills and drive matter more — and our comprehensive training covers everything else.
How long from application to opening?
Typically 4–6 months, depending on the site and the fit-out.
Can I own more than one store?
Yes. Multi-store agreements are available once you've proved the model at your first site.
Do I need to run it myself?
You can be owner-operator or employ a manager — both models work well within TOAST.
The Model
What does turnkey mean?
We handle everything: site, design, fit-out, equipment, stock, branding and training. You walk in on opening day and trade.
What ongoing fees do I pay?
Royalty 5%, central marketing 2%, local marketing 1% (which you keep for local activity), and tech & merchandise 1%. No hidden fees.
What equipment is included?
Everything — espresso machine, grinders, toastie grills, blenders, milkshake machines, ice machine, display fridges, POS, utensils and branded packaging.
Where does the food come from?
Many items are handmade at TOAST HQ in Braintree and delivered ready to serve, with fresh perishables supplied via Pilgrims Food Services.
Support
What training do I get?
Your Store Manager trains for 4 weeks in an existing store, your Assistant Manager for 2 weeks, and your full team for 1 week on-site before opening. On opening day our Operations Manager plus two experienced team members are on site, and support continues for your first two weeks.
What support do I get after opening?
A dedicated team: Louise (Franchising), Candi (Operations), Kirsty (Supply), Shelly (Marketing), Nicola (Finance) and Rob (MD). You're never on your own.
What systems do I learn?
Toast POS, Nory (stock & scheduling), Trail (compliance), Slack, Bright HR and Paytronix (loyalty) — with full training on all of them.
The Numbers
What turnover can I expect?
£500,000–£650,000 based on our existing stores, varying by location and management.
When will I make money?
Cash flow positive from Month 1. Year 1 is lower due to pre-opening costs; steady-state returns are around £60,000–£125,000 a year.
What is the buy-back guarantee?
Put in the effort and it doesn't work out? We'll buy it back. No other UK coffee franchise offers this.
Practical
How do you choose locations?
We identify sites together, with TOAST approval required — strong footfall, sufficient space, good signage and the right planning permissions.
Can I sell my franchise?
Yes, subject to the terms of the Franchise Agreement and TOAST's approval of the new franchisee.