Established
2018
Franchise Units
1
Minimum Investment
$350,000
Franchise Fee
$35,000
Total Investment Range
$650,000
Home Based
No
Description
The Urban Wok franchise brings a bold, modern twist to Asian fast-casual dining in the United States. Designed around speed, freshness, and customization, Urban Wok offers guests an interactive stir-fry experience where they can build their own bowls using high-quality ingredients, house-made sauces, and globally inspired flavors.
Positioned within the booming fast-casual restaurant sector, Urban Wok combines the convenience of quick service with the quality and transparency today’s customers demand. From fresh vegetables and premium proteins to gluten-free and vegan options, the brand caters to health-conscious diners without sacrificing flavor.
Urban Wok’s clean, contemporary store design, efficient kitchen layout, and streamlined operations make it highly adaptable to various U.S. markets — from busy urban centers and college towns to suburban retail plazas and lifestyle centers. With rising consumer interest in Asian cuisine and customizable dining experiences, Urban Wok stands out as a scalable, future-focused franchise opportunity.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
1. Growing Demand for Asian Fast Casual
Asian cuisine remains one of the fastest-growing food categories in the U.S. Consumers are seeking bold flavors, healthier choices, and build-your-own meal concepts — all of which Urban Wok delivers effectively.
2. Simple, Efficient Operating Model
Urban Wok’s streamlined menu and stir-fry format reduce food waste and optimize labor efficiency. The customizable bowl system simplifies inventory management while offering menu variety.
3. Strong Unit Economics Potential
Fast-casual brands with moderate footprints and limited kitchen complexity typically benefit from manageable overhead and attractive profit margins when properly executed.
4. Flexible Real Estate Options
Urban Wok locations can operate in inline retail units, endcaps, food courts, and other high-traffic settings. The concept is adaptable to spaces typically ranging from 1,200 to 2,200 square feet, depending on market strategy.
Background
- Established Year: 2018
- Industry Category: Fast Casual Restaurant / Asian Cuisine
- Headquarters: United States
- Franchise Active Units: 1
Urban Wok was founded with a vision of bringing a fresh, customizable Asian stir-fry experience to the fast-casual dining market. The founders recognized a gap between traditional quick-service Asian restaurants and full-service establishments, and created a concept that bridges both worlds.
Support Training
Urban Wok offers comprehensive franchise support to help new owners launch and grow successfully.
Pre-Launch Support
-
Site selection guidance and demographic analysis
-
Lease negotiation assistance
-
Store layout design and construction guidance
-
Vendor and supply chain coordination
-
Grand opening marketing strategy
Initial Training
Franchisees receive hands-on training covering:
-
Kitchen operations and food preparation
-
Inventory control systems
-
POS and technology systems
-
Hiring and team management
-
Customer service standards
-
Food safety compliance
Training typically includes both classroom instruction and in-store operational experience.
Marketing Support
-
Brand marketing materials
-
Digital advertising strategy guidance
-
Social media toolkits
-
Local store marketing templates
-
Promotional campaign calendars
Ongoing Operational Support
-
Field support visits
-
Performance benchmarking
-
Menu updates and product development
-
Operational audits
-
Continuous coaching and advisory assistance
Ideal Candidate
Urban Wok is best suited for entrepreneurs who are:
-
Passionate about food, hospitality, and customer experience
-
Strong operators with leadership capabilities
-
Interested in multi-unit growth opportunities
-
Comfortable managing staff and daily operations
-
Financially prepared to meet investment requirements
While prior restaurant experience can be beneficial, it is not always mandatory. Franchisees should possess strong business acumen, organizational skills, and a commitment to following proven systems.
Ideal markets include high-traffic retail corridors, college towns, suburban growth areas, and mixed-use developments with strong lunchtime and dinner demand.
Financial Detail
| Investment Category | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $35,000 – $40,000 |
| Total Initial Investment | $350,000 – $650,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $120,000 – $250,000 |
| Kitchen Equipment & Build-Out | $80,000 – $150,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures & Décor | $25,000 – $60,000 |
| Initial Inventory & Supplies | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| POS System & Technology | $10,000 – $25,000 |
| Marketing & Grand Opening Budget | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| Licenses, Permits & Insurance | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Training Expenses | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Working Capital (3–6 Months) | $50,000 – $100,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% – 6% of Gross Sales |
| Marketing/Brand Fund Fee | 1% – 2% of Gross Sales |
| Estimated Break-Even Timeline | 18 – 36 Months (Market Dependent) |
