Inside the Champagne+Fromage Franchise Concept with Stefano Frigerio

Champagne+Fromage has built a distinctive position within the UK hospitality market by combining grower Champagne with artisan French food in a premium yet approachable setting. We spoke with founder Stefano Frigerio about what makes the concept stand out, how the franchise model supports partners, and the brand’s plans for future growth.

What makes Champagne+Fromage different from other hospitality franchises?

Champagne+Fromage is built around a very simple but powerful idea: taking Champagne out of the ‘special occasion’ category and turning it into an everyday experience. We pair grower Champagne with artisan French cheese and charcuterie to create something that feels premium but still relaxed and accessible.

We don’t just sell wine or cheese separately. We sell the pairing experience itself. Every menu, training programme, and customer interaction is built around that idea. That gives us a very clear identity that stands apart from traditional wine bars, bistros, or restaurants.

What are the key strengths of the franchise model?

One of the biggest strengths is the simplicity of the operation. Compared to many hospitality businesses, our model is designed to reduce complexity. Labour requirements are leaner, fit-out costs are more controlled, and the operational structure is much more streamlined.

At the same time, the business benefits from multiple revenue streams, including dine-in, retail, takeaway, private events, tastings, and masterclasses. We also work directly with grower Champagne producers and artisan suppliers in France, which helps us maintain quality, exclusivity, and strong margins.

How do you maintain consistency across franchise locations?

Consistency comes from having clear systems and disciplined execution. Franchisees source products through our established supplier relationships so the quality remains consistent across every location.

We also provide a detailed Brand Book covering service standards, presentation, menus, atmosphere, and customer experience. Training plays a major role too, especially around product knowledge and storytelling, because we want customers to feel connected to the experience, not just the products.

How does the concept reflect current hospitality trends?

Customers today are looking for experiences rather than simply buying food and drink. That’s exactly where Champagne+Fromage fits in. The concept combines premium casual dining with experience-led hospitality.

People still value quality and authenticity, but they also want flexibility and accessibility. Our venues can work for casual drinks, celebrations, lunches, events, and even daytime trade through concepts like Champagne Afternoon Tea.

What support do franchisees receive?

Our support is very hands-on and founder-led. Franchisees train directly with us at the Covent Garden flagship, where they learn operations, service standards, product knowledge, and customer experience management.

We also support franchisees through site selection, fit-out, supplier onboarding, marketing, launch planning, and ongoing financial reviews. We stay closely involved because we want every venue to succeed long term, not just open successfully.

What are the plans for future expansion?

We’re focused on growing carefully and selectively. The priority is finding the right partners and the right locations rather than expanding as quickly as possible.

We’re targeting affluent UK cities and strong tourism markets where the concept naturally fits. Long term, there may also be opportunities for international licensing, but the focus right now is building a strong, sustainable network with the right franchise partners.

A hospitality concept designed for long-term growth

Champagne+Fromage continues to position itself as a distinctive hospitality brand built around authenticity, simplicity, and customer experience. With founder-led support, multiple revenue streams, and a clearly defined concept, the franchise is focused on sustainable expansion while maintaining the premium experience that defines the brand.