Cafe2U
Financial Plan
Liquid capital
Personal investment from £15,000, subject to status, with finance available
Total investment
Total investment including vehicle deposit and equipment (£20,950)
Average annual revenue
Typical turnover for a single van, as stated by the franchisorv
The Concept
- Year of creation
- 2004
- Locations
- 85
The world's largest coffee van franchise, taking espresso to workplaces and industrial estates rather than the high street.
A Cafe2U franchise is a mobile coffee business rather than a coffee shop, and the brand describes itself as the largest coffee van franchise in the world and the UK’s first.
Cafe2U was established in 2004 and celebrated 20 years of trading in 2024. Its franchising model began with the aim of bringing premium coffee to locations where people would not traditionally have access to it, which led the network into business parks and trading estates rather than town centres. There are now over 85 franchisees in the UK and more than 250 worldwide.
Each franchisee works from a custom-built, all-electric mobile café, taking espresso-based coffee, hot chocolate and sweet treats to places of work, business areas, industrial estates, events and sporting occasions. The coffee is a blend created exclusively for Cafe2U and roasted to its own recipe.
Why Choose the Franchise Cafe2U?
The working pattern is what distinguishes this from a coffee shop. Franchisees follow a set journey plan through the week, working flexible, self-determined hours, with many completing 25 to 35 pre-arranged stops a day and finishing in the middle of the afternoon. Payment is taken in full at the point of sale, so there is no bad debt. Weekend work is optional, at everything from property auctions and sporting events to fetes, charity fundraisers and weddings, and the company notes that event and weekend activity can significantly increase earnings.
Training runs to four weeks at the Cafe2U Academy in Yorkshire. The first week covers barista skills and business processes, the second is supervised pre-launch activity in the franchisee’s own territory, and the third and fourth make up the Acceleration Package, in which Franchise Development Managers accompany the franchisee to fast-track the launch. Every franchisee receives an exclusive territory licence, uniform, initial stock and a marketing toolkit.
Franchisees come from a range of backgrounds and many had no industry experience before joining. Availability covers most regions of the UK and Northern Ireland for start-up territories, all with multi-van potential, alongside some resale opportunities. Cafe2U is a BFA (British Franchise Association) member.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you open a Cafe2U franchise in the UK?
Yes, and no coffee experience is needed. Cafe2U states that its franchisees come from all walks of life and that many had no industry experience before joining. Start-up territories are available across most UK regions and Northern Ireland, all with multi-van potential, alongside occasional resale opportunities.
How much does it cost to open a Cafe2U franchise?
The franchise fee is £20,950 plus VAT. The company states that personal investment can be as low as £15,000 subject to status, with the balance funded. The van is supplied separately at additional cost, either financed or bought outright, and Cafe2U operates a preferential leasing scheme for a fully electric vehicle.
How much does a Cafe2U franchise earn?
Cafe2U states a typical turnover of between £80,000 and £130,000 a year for a single van. That figure covers the working week, and the company notes that optional weekend and event work can increase it. Ongoing costs include a fixed weekly management fee and a marketing fee.
What does a Cafe2U working day look like?
A set journey plan through the week, with many franchisees completing 25 to 35 pre-arranged stops a day and finishing in the middle of the afternoon. Start times are chosen by the franchisee, and payment is collected in full at the point of sale, so there is no bad debt.
What training does Cafe2U provide?
Four weeks at the Cafe2U Academy in Yorkshire. Week one covers barista skills and business processes, week two is a full week of supervised pre-launch activity in the franchisee’s own territory, and weeks three and four form the Acceleration Package, where Franchise Development Managers work alongside the franchisee to fast-track the launch.
What is included in the Cafe2U franchise fee?
An exclusive territory licence, uniform, initial stock and a marketing toolkit, alongside the four-week training programme.
How big is Cafe2U?
Over 85 franchisees in the UK and more than 250 worldwide, according to its BFA listing. The company describes itself as the largest coffee van franchise in the world and the UK’s first.
Can you run more than one Cafe2U van?
Yes. All start-up territories are offered with multi-van potential, so a franchisee can build a fleet as the round grows.
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