Griolladh Brings Its Cult Irish Toastie Brand to the UK Franchise Market

A fast-growing Irish food brand built on one simple idea is now targeting UK expansion. Griolladh, the Dublin-founded quick service restaurant concept specialising in indulgent, customisable toasties, is welcoming franchise partners as it looks to establish a strong presence across key UK locations.

Known for its premium take on the humble grilled cheese sandwich, Griolladh combines high-quality Irish ingredients with a scalable, flexible franchise model designed for modern, high-footfall environments.

A simple concept perfected through quality

At the heart of Griolladh’s success is a tightly focused menu centred on grilled cheese toasties made with 100% Irish dairy, bespoke sauces, and a signature sourdough recipe developed exclusively for the brand. The result is a product that feels both comforting and premium, delivering indulgence without complexity.

The menu is supported by organic coffee, fresh salads, and curated snacks, allowing Griolladh to trade successfully across all dayparts. From breakfast and lunchtime rushes to afternoon and early evening trade, the concept appeals to commuters, families, students, tourists, and shoppers looking for something quick, satisfying, and highly customisable.

Proven growth with a clear UK strategy

Founded in Dublin in 2020, Griolladh’s rise has been rapid. From its origins in a small trailer serving toasties and coffee, the brand quickly gained traction, with queues stretching over an hour within weeks of launch. Today, Griolladh operates 13 locations across Ireland, seven company-owned and six run by franchise partners, including both single-unit and multi-unit operators.

The UK expansion strategy focuses on high-priority locations such as major city centres, transport hubs, food halls, and non-traditional sites. Colleges and universities are also a key target, where strong footfall and a convenience-driven customer base create ideal conditions for growth.

A flexible, franchisee-friendly model

Griolladh has been designed with adaptability in mind. Franchise partners can operate the food and beverage brand across multiple formats, including kiosks, containers, food halls, and standalone stores, with unit sizes ranging from compact 200 sq ft kiosks to larger city-centre locations.

With franchise fees starting at £15,000 and total investment from £60,000, the model offers an accessible entry point into the quick service restaurant sector. Ongoing costs are kept competitive, with no operating fee, a 1% national marketing levy, and a 5% management service fee.
Area development rights are also available for those looking to scale quickly by opening multiple locations within a defined territory.

From day one to daily service: A fully supported franchise journey

No prior food retail experience is required to join the Griolladh franchise. Franchisees receive comprehensive training and ongoing support, ensuring they can maintain the high standards that have driven the brand’s success to date.

Support includes access to property, design, architecture, and equipment expertise, competitively priced suppliers, established branding, and a growing national network. Franchise partners also benefit from a proven business formula, an extensively tested secret recipe, and the strength of a developing franchise community.

A timely opportunity in the QSR sector

With its strong brand identity, all-day appeal, and adaptable formats, Griolladh offers a compelling opportunity for entrepreneurs seeking a scalable food franchise with broad market appeal.

Those interested in bringing this popular Irish toastie concept to the UK can now explore the Griolladh franchise opportunity on Point Franchise and request further information today.