Can I franchise just one brand, or choose two or three?
Yes. Enquire about any one of the shared brands, choose two or three, or build a larger selection. Each brand has its own promotional page and can be added to your enquiry. Your proposed combination is assessed for kitchen suitability, location, training and supply before it is agreed.
How is a brand selection different from full MealDeck?
Full MealDeck is the complete multi-brand concept with its agreed launch package and territory terms. An individual or multi-brand proposal covers the brands and services listed in that proposal. Selecting every brand does not automatically grant the full MealDeck identity, lease arrangements or territory rights.
Can I use equipment I already own?
Suitable existing equipment can be considered for an individual-brand or custom package. We assess condition, capacity, food safety and the requirements of your selected menus. The quote identifies any additional equipment, setup and training needed. Franchise rights and ongoing services are quoted separately from the equipment you already provide.
Can I apply if I am new to running a food business?
Yes. Choose the new food business option in the enquiry and share your proposed location, budget and any relevant experience. We discuss premises, equipment, practical training, staffing and your launch plan. You will need to assess the full setup costs and working capital and take responsibility for operating the business.
What does an individual-brand franchise cost?
Individual brands and custom combinations are price on application. Your written proposal sets out the brand rights, setup and training, equipment requirements, opening costs and ongoing charges. Existing equipment and premises are reflected in the quote. A new landlord deposit is included only where MealDeck supplies premises and one is required. There is no automatic price per added brand.
What happens to the premises deposit if the kitchen closes?
Where your quote includes a deposit for premises supplied by MealDeck, the deposit remains in place while the premises arrangement continues. If the kitchen closes because of a kitchen or MealDeck issue, you receive 50% of any premises deposit actually returned to MealDeck by the landlord. If you choose to leave voluntarily, no premises-deposit refund is payable to you. This concerns the recovered landlord deposit, not a refund of the franchise or total launch fee. Your written premises terms confirm these conditions.
Does selecting a brand reserve a territory or guarantee launch?
No. This is an enquiry. Applicant, location, brand combination and kitchen readiness need approval, and existing territory commitments apply. Any brand rights, location restrictions and support are confirmed in the agreement. No orders, sales or profit level is guaranteed.
What makes MealDeck a turnkey franchise?
MealDeck brings together the shared brands and menus, a selected location and agreed territory, the agreed premises rent deposit, kitchen equipment, opening stock and packaging, technology, onboarding and training. Ongoing support brings together the systems, supply coordination, compliance support, marketing, accounts and administration within your agreed service scope. You focus on good food, timely dispatch and running your team, while funding the kitchen's operating costs. Opening follows the location's approvals and readiness checks.
What does the upfront investment cover?
Your all-inclusive launch quote covers franchise entry, the agreed brand and territory rights, location onboarding, the agreed premises rent deposit, kitchen equipment and hardware, opening stock and branded packaging, technology setup and launch training. The published range is indicative and includes a two-month rent deposit allowance. The actual landlord deposit, location and agreed launch scope determine your final quote, which may fall outside the range. Rent, including the first month, staffing, ongoing supplies and other running costs are funded separately by your kitchen.
Who holds the lease and pays the premises deposit?
For a MealDeck-arranged site, MealDeck holds the premises lease and pays the landlord using the deposit included in your upfront launch quote. The included deposit is not charged again separately. Your written proposal confirms the actual deposit and premises terms. If you provide suitable existing premises, the proposal reflects that arrangement and includes a new landlord deposit only if MealDeck supplies premises and one is required. Your business funds rent, including the first month, rates, utilities and other agreed operating costs.
Does MealDeck provide the equipment?
Yes. We supply the equipment your kitchen needs to run, including any KDS screens and printers, itemised in full alongside the opening supplies and packaging. The schedule confirms installation scope, ownership or hire terms, warranty, maintenance and replacement responsibilities.
Who runs the kitchen and employs the staff?
The franchisee runs the kitchen, recruits and manages the team, and pays staffing and operating costs. The offer is designed for an owner-operator or a business operating several kitchens. A multi-unit operator remains responsible for the teams and performance of each location.
What does the technology fee include?
The agreed technology package includes MealDeck, Dishbee integration, Dishbee Buzz and Haccora, together with KDS and printing, web and app ordering, WhatsApp and phone workflows, delivery system integration, supported aggregator connections, AI tools and ongoing support. Channels and integrations are configured for your kitchen, with provider approvals where required. Ongoing pricing is available on application; card processing, marketplace commissions and actual delivery charges follow the relevant third-party terms.
What does the monthly service provide?
Your agreed service brings together brand and operational support, technology, local and national marketing, procurement coordination, compliance support, accounts, payroll and administration. We can manage routine menu updates and administer approved bill and salary payments using your kitchen's funds. The written service schedule confirms the included work, payment approvals and any additional services. All ongoing fees are price on application.
Are all brands available in every kitchen immediately?
The franchise offer includes access to the shared MealDeck brand portfolio. Your kitchen's launch menu and activation timetable are agreed around its equipment, training, supply and operating readiness. Customer menus show only the products that location can fulfil. Café1 remains exclusive to St Albans.
How is my territory agreed?
MealDeck assesses the proposed kitchen, practical delivery routes, local households and neighbouring kitchens. The final mapped core, any exclusivity conditions and shared delivery edges are documented in the franchise agreement. Registering interest does not reserve or purchase an area.
Can I suggest an area or an existing kitchen?
Yes. Tell us the town or area you prefer and whether you already have access to a commercial kitchen. MealDeck will assess the premises and territory before agreeing suitability, availability, equipment and costs.
What do compliance and accountancy support include?
The agreed accounts and administration service covers bookkeeping, reconciliations, reporting and payroll processing, with filing work, frequency and service limits confirmed in writing. Haccora is included in the technology package, alongside agreed training and compliance support. You provide accurate records and approvals, fund your bills, wages and taxes, and remain responsible for employing the team and carrying out the kitchen's required food safety checks.
Are ongoing supplies and packaging included in the monthly service?
Your launch package includes the agreed opening stock and packaging. Ongoing food, ingredients and packaging are purchased through the supply programme under your quoted terms. We coordinate procurement and reconcile supply invoices and credits with the other charges, taking account of payments already made.
Does the offer guarantee sales or profit?
No sales or profit level is guaranteed. Your business plan needs to cover food, staffing, premises, utilities, delivery, platform charges, franchise fees and working capital. We discuss the site and operating assumptions with you before you decide whether to proceed.
