Born in Bordeaux in 2014, Nobi Nobi has carved out its own space in the booming Asian street food scene by deliberately avoiding sushi and instead championing Yakisoba, Katsu Curry, Bao Burgers and Bubble Tea. With a fast-growing network and a strong appetite for expansion, this is a franchise opportunity well worth exploring for anyone drawn to the food and catering sector.
Franchise · Food & Catering
Nobi Nobi Franchise
Japanese street food without sushi: yakisoba, katsu curry, bao and bubble tea
£120,000
personal capital
£350kk
investment
12
UK locations
How much does a Nobi Nobi franchise cost?
Personal capital
Own funds required to complete the financing
£120,000
Total investment
Estimated total budget for the opening
£350,000
Locations in the country
12
Figures declared by the franchisor — sources and verification date at the bottom of the page.
What it's about
- Founded
- 2014
- Locations
- 12
- Type of business
- Japanese street food restaurant franchise
- Company
- Nobi Nobi
Fact sheet
Inside Nobi Nobi
The right questions before you start
The concept at a glance
Nobi Nobi transports customers straight to the streets of Japan through carefully crafted interiors, bold flavours and a menu that stands apart from the typical sushi-led competition. The brand's slogan, "Be Nobi, Be Happy", sums up its promise: a quick, joyful escape delivered through food. Since opening its first drive-through unit in 2018 and welcoming its first franchisees in 2021, the network has accelerated rapidly, with seven new openings in 2023 alone and further projects already in the pipeline.
Why join this franchise?
- Rising demand: Asian street food continues to grow steadily, and Japanese cuisine is currently the trend of the moment, following the earlier wave of Thai food popularity.
- A distinctive menu: by steering clear of sushi, Nobi Nobi occupies a genuinely different space in the Japanese food market, reducing direct competition.
- Streamlined operations: the kitchen process has been simplified so that no specialist chefs or wok experts are required, allowing for very fast service times — a real competitive edge.
- Strong brand identity: every restaurant is designed to give customers a genuine sense of escape, reinforcing loyalty and repeat visits.
- Quality sourcing: the brand works with specialist Asian product suppliers to maintain consistency and quality across the network.
Who they're looking for
Nobi Nobi does not insist on a single type of candidate. The franchise is looking above all for entrepreneurs with a genuine commercial flair and a passion for the restaurant trade, ready to represent the brand with energy and commitment. Previous experience in hospitality or restaurant management is helpful, particularly in running a profit centre, but it is not a strict requirement — training provided through the brand's own restaurant schools is designed to bring newcomers up to speed. What matters most is a well-thought-through project and genuine motivation to grow within the network.
Requirements and investment
Prospective franchisees should be able to demonstrate personal liquid capital of around £120,000, which supports access to the financing needed to open a unit. The total investment required to launch a Nobi Nobi restaurant, inclusive of the initial franchise fee of £30,000, stands at approximately £350,000. This covers fit-out, equipment and the distinctive interior design that is central to the brand's identity. Ongoing support is provided through training, sourcing assistance and network coordination, helping franchisees maintain consistency with the concept as they build their business.
Key facts
- Year founded: 2014
- Year franchising began: 2021
- Number of locations: 12 (France)
- Average annual turnover: £900,000
- Franchise fee: £30,000
- Total investment: £350,000
- Liquid capital required: £120,000
If you're looking to invest in a fast-growing, distinctive food franchise with strong brand appeal and simplified operations, Nobi Nobi could be the right fit. Request more information today to find out how you can become a Nobi Nobi franchisee.
How much does a Nobi Nobi franchise cost?
Expect about £350,000 in total to open a restaurant, including the £30,000 entry fee. That budget covers fit-out, kitchen equipment and the Japanese-inspired interior that defines the brand. Candidates also need roughly £120,000 of liquid capital to obtain financing.
How many Nobi Nobi restaurants are open?
Twelve restaurants trade in France. The first opened in Bordeaux in 2014, a drive-through unit followed in 2018 and franchising began in 2021. Expansion has picked up sharply, with seven openings during 2023 alone and further projects in preparation.
How much does a Nobi Nobi restaurant turn over?
Average annual sales are reported at £900,000 per site. Service is fast because the kitchen process has been simplified and requires neither a wok specialist nor a trained chef, which supports high covers at peak times.
Do you need restaurant experience to become a Nobi Nobi franchisee?
It helps but is not compulsory. Running a profit centre in hospitality is welcome experience, while newcomers are brought up to speed through the brand's own restaurant schools. What the company mainly wants is commercial flair, a well-prepared project and genuine motivation to grow within the network.
What makes the Nobi Nobi menu different?
The brand deliberately leaves sushi out, building its menu on bao burgers, katsu curry, yakisoba and bubble tea, which places it in a less crowded corner of the Japanese food market. Ingredients come from suppliers specialising in Asian products, so recipes stay consistent from one restaurant to the next.
Sources and data verification
The figures on this page come from the following sources:
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Nobi Nobi
Investment £350,000