open a YO! franchise

A franchise is a partnership between two parties: the franchisor and the franchisee.

YO! is the franchisor and owns the brand, products, systems and processes. As a franchisee, you invest in the right to operate a YO! business at an agreed location, using our established brand and business model.

In return, you benefit from an established brand, proven systems, training and ongoing support from our experienced franchise team.

A YO! franchise gives you the opportunity to own and operate your own sushi kiosk business under one of the UK's best-known sushi brands.

Our kiosks are turnkey businesses, with the equipment and infrastructure you need to prepare and sell hand-rolled sushi and food-to-go products.

As a YO! franchise partner, you can benefit from:

• Being part of one of the UK's largest sushi franchise operators
• High-footfall supermarket locations, with typical locations seeing around 4,000 customers per day.
• No external landlord agreement to negotiate.
• Support from an experienced sushi operator with successful partners globally.
• Established supplier relationships and pricing support.
• Regular new product development to help keep the offer relevant and drive additional sales.
• The opportunity to grow your kiosk portfolio after successfully operating your first location for 12 months.
• The potential to build a successful and growing business.

Your franchise package provides access to the YO! brand, operating systems, training, support and the equipment required to operate your kiosk.

The exact package and costs will depend on the kiosk and location you are investing in. Full details are provided in the franchise prospectus and franchise agreement.

We look for franchise partners who can demonstrate that they:

• Have the funds required to invest in the opportunity and are prepared to commit to a long-term partnership.
• Have managerial experience or a track record of leading a team.
• Understand, or are willing to learn about, workplace health and safety, P&L, business planning, forecasting, recruitment and team development.
• Are self-motivated and able to motivate others to maintain the high standards of the YO! brand.
• Are confident communicators who can build strong relationships with customers and our support teams.
• Are willing to take a hands-on role in running their business.
• Can solve problems and understand, or are willing to learn, how to maximise footfall, manage peak trading periods and plan efficient rotas.
• Are willing to follow YO!'s tried-and-tested systems and processes.
• Are committed to continually learning and developing their skills.
• Are ready to be their own boss and hit the ground running.
• Share our core principles: Own it. Care for it. Make it exceptional. Win together.

Further information about our franchisee requirements is available in our franchise prospectus.

Previous sushi experience is not stated as a requirement. However, you should have relevant management or team leadership experience and be prepared to learn and follow YO!'s operating systems and processes.

Once you have signed the franchise agreement, the process typically takes 6–12 weeks to complete, depending on the kiosk, training availability and completion of the required onboarding steps.

The total investment depends on the location and size of the kiosk.

Prospective franchise partners will need to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to pay the applicable franchise fee and associated start-up costs. Funding can be provided directly by the franchisee or through a nominated bank.

Franchisees also pay an ongoing royalty fee based on sales. This contributes towards the training, operational, marketing and brand support provided by YO! and the wider Wonderfield Group (TWG).

Full details of the investment and ongoing costs are provided in the franchise prospectus.

No. The onboarding fee is non-refundable.

It covers the initial onboarding and training costs and helps reserve the kiosk and mark it as sold within our systems.

The onboarding fee covers the costs associated with reserving the kiosk, onboarding you as a new franchise partner and setting you up to operate the business.

Yes. VAT is charged on the upfront franchise fee. The VAT will be included on your invoice and may be recoverable, subject to your individual VAT position.

We recommend taking independent financial advice regarding VAT recovery.

Yes. You will receive one full invoice covering the applicable franchise fee and onboarding fee once you have signed the franchise agreement.

The majority of fresh takeaway products are treated differently for VAT purposes from standard-rated products. A small amount of VAT may apply to certain ambient products.

Your accountant should advise you on the VAT treatment applicable to your individual business.

You will be able to participate in YO!'s national marketing campaigns throughout the year.

You can also carry out tasting sessions within the supermarket to encourage customers to try your products, subject to agreement with the General Store Manager of the relevant supermarket.

Your Regional Manager and the wider marketing team can advise on the marketing activity available to you.

You'll receive support from an experienced team throughout your franchise journey.

This includes:

• A dedicated Regional Manager who will be your main day-to-day contact.
• Kiosk location and opportunity support.
• Marketing and campaign support.
• New product development.
• Supplier infrastructure and pricing support.
• Franchise onboarding and documentation support.
• Operational advice and guidance.
• Ongoing training and development.

The current YO! franchise offer does not include Halal options.