Franchise · Food & Catering

Urban Baristas Franchise

Australian-inspired specialty coffee expanding across London through an early-stage, fast-growing franchise programme.

2016

Year founded

Locations

What it's about

Urban Baristas is an Australian-inspired specialty coffee brand that started life as a single London kiosk and has since grown into a fast-expanding franchise operation across the capital. For anyone exploring the coffee shop franchise sector in the UK, this is a brand with clear momentum and an ambitious growth roadmap worth understanding in detail.

Founded: 2016
Units in the market: 16
Locations: 16
Type of business: Specialty coffee shop franchise
Company: Urban Baristas Franchise Ltd

The right questions before you start

Why the Urban Baristas growth story appeals to franchise partners

Urban Baristas is at a genuinely early stage of its franchise journey, which is an attractive proposition for anyone wanting to get in ahead of a brand's mainstream growth curve. The company has publicly stated an ambition to reach 30 stores by the end of 2026, roughly doubling its current footprint within a short timeframe. This kind of stated expansion target signals confidence from the franchisor and potential first-mover advantage for new franchisees securing territory in unopened London neighbourhoods.

The founder has spoken about having been a franchisee himself in the past, which he says shapes a hands-on commitment to franchisee success. Combined with an established roastery supply chain and a recognisable specialty coffee identity, the brand offers a proposition built on product credibility rather than pure marketing spin.

Investment conditions and costs to expect

Urban Baristas has not published official figures for the initial investment, entry fee or ongoing royalty structure on its own website, and no franchise trade press or regulatory source confirms these figures either. Prospective franchisees should treat any investment figures seen elsewhere with caution and request a full financial disclosure document directly from the franchisor before proceeding. What is confirmed is that the franchise operates through a dedicated legal entity, Urban Baristas Franchise Ltd, registered in London since 2021, which suggests a formal franchise structure is in place even though detailed commercial terms are not yet public.

Anyone seriously considering this opportunity should approach Urban Baristas directly via its official enquiry channel to obtain accurate, up-to-date figures on capital requirements, entry fees and royalty arrangements, since these details can change as the franchise programme matures.

Key facts about Urban Baristas

Brand founded around 2016 in London, launched by two Australian former finance professionals
Franchise entity Urban Baristas Franchise Ltd incorporated in February 2021
First franchise agreement signed in December 2023
12 outlets operating in December 2023, growing to 16 by 2025
More than 12 additional franchise agreements sold as of 2025, not all yet trading
Publicly stated target of 30 total stores by the end of 2026
Operations currently concentrated in London, UK only

If you are drawn to the idea of joining a specialty coffee brand early in its franchise expansion, now is the moment to make contact. Reach out to Urban Baristas directly to request full details on investment costs, support packages and available territories before its 2026 growth target closes the window on prime London locations.

How much does it cost to open an Urban Baristas franchise?

Urban Baristas has not published official figures for investment costs, entry fees or royalties on its own website, and no trade press or regulatory source confirms reliable figures either. Anyone interested should contact the franchisor directly for an accurate, current breakdown of costs before making any decisions, since figures circulating elsewhere are unverified.

How does the Urban Baristas franchise model work?

Urban Baristas franchisees operate coffee shops supplied by the brand's own roastery, serving Australian-inspired specialty coffee. The brand began franchising in December 2023 after growing from a single London kiosk in 2016, and now combines company-run and franchised sites across the capital, with plans to keep expanding through franchise partners.

What experience do you need to become an Urban Baristas franchisee?

No formal published requirements exist, but early franchisees have brought relevant experience, including one partner with a decade running Anytime Fitness locations. Genuine enthusiasm for specialty coffee, hospitality know-how, sufficient capital and readiness to manage day-to-day operations are all likely to be valued by the franchisor.

What support does Urban Baristas offer its franchisees?

The founder has publicly described a hands-on commitment to franchisee success, partly informed by his own past experience as a franchisee. However, detailed information on formal training programmes, marketing support or ongoing operational assistance has not been published, so candidates should ask for specifics during initial enquiries.

How many Urban Baristas coffee shops are there in the UK?

As of 2025, Urban Baristas operates 16 locations across London, up from 12 in December 2023 when its first franchise agreement was signed. More than 12 additional franchise agreements have been sold and are due to open, with the brand targeting 30 total stores by the end of 2026.