Blimpie marks UK launch

Blimpie Subs & Salads, the American fresh sandwich concept, has opened its first UK restaurant in Bristol.

Blimpie, which has more than 1,600 franchised outlets worldwide, plans to open about 350 units in the UK over the next three years. This will include 100 traditional high street restaurants with seating and 250 non-traditional units such as carts and convenience store kiosks.

The 30-seat Bristol unit is owned by franchisee DC Patel, who plans to open a second outlet in Bristol next year. Two or three restaurants are also set to open in London in February, followed by units in Southampton and Sheffield.

Negotiations with a major chain of South-east-based convenience stores are under way, as are discussions with all major petrol retailers.

The Blimpie concept started in 1964 in Hoboken, New Jersey. UK franchisees will pay £12,000 for a traditional high street site and £6,500 for a cart or kiosk unit. Total start-up costs for traditional units are estimated at £60,000 to £100,000. For kiosks, start-up costs are about £40,000.

A royalty fee of 8% of turnover is payable to Albion Foods, master franchisor for the UK, and a contribution of 2% of turnover towards an advertising budget.