9th February 2007

Manchester corporate and commercial law firm Lopian Wagner has been instrumental in the launch of the UK’s first Chinese/Thai takeaway franchise – Wok2go. The innovative concept – which delivers freshly prepared, contemporary Oriental cuisine – is set to become a fixture on high streets up and down the country.

Led by founding partner Anthony Wagner, Lopian Wagner finalised the launch of Wok2go Products Ltd and handled the shareholders’ agreement between managing director George Leung and the RAS Partnership, a longstanding client of the law firm and specialists in brand marketing and franchises.

The management team behind the venture anticipates opening ten franchise operations within the first 12 months, with 100 open for business by the end of year three. With an expected turnover of £7 - £10,000 per week and profits of 25%, interest in the turnkey operation has been intense. The team has already secured seven franchisees since the offer was launched in May, including two based in London. Those franchises sold to date have been snapped up by high calibre industry players – including former Domino’s Pizza and Subway owners – and each is expected to open multiple sites. The very first outlet opened last week in Macclesfield and has been enthusiastically received by local punters.

Unlike conventional Chinese takeaways, the enticing menu at Wok2Go has been designed to be healthy as well as delicious: the company pledges to use no monosodium glutamate and features reduced salt and low fat sauces. Food is cooked quickly in a searing hot wok in a modern, open-plan kitchen. In addition to rolling out the franchise nationwide, the management team is aiming to develop a dedicated Wok2go product range for supermarkets.

George Leung explained: “The quality of Chinese takeaway food currently available is, at best, extremely variable since it very much depends on who’s doing the cooking at any one time. At its worst, it’s stodgy, unhealthy and poorly flavoured. “We believe the market is ripe for a completely fresh approach to Oriental cooking that’s prepared on the spot from quality ingredients. Wok2go will set a new standard in this style of takeaway food and, importantly, a dish purchased at a Glasgow outlet will be identical to one bought in London.”

Anthony Wagner at Lopian Wagner commented: “Wok2go is an outstanding franchise opportunity and is poised to become one of the country’s favourite takeaways. We’ve applied our considerable expertise and broad experience of franchise operations to put together this deal. We’re now looking forward to continuing to work with the management team to move the brand forward.”