
How Fast-Food Franchising Actually Works
Almost every restaurant you think of as a chain is owned by someone else entirely. What the franchisee actually buys, and why it explains the price on the board.

Menus and prices in 6 markets, 352 items tracked.
Costa is the largest coffee chain in Britain by store count and operates more than 4,100 stores across 39 markets, with China, the United Arab Emirates, Ireland and Poland its largest territories outside the UK.
It is also the brand that most exposed a gap in our data. Costa arrived from the legacy site with zero market coverage despite that footprint, which left its page as a stub. We have since added written profiles for six markets it genuinely trades in - See expansion sourcing.
The brand's distinguishing feature is the two-track estate: alongside stores, a very large self-serve machine network in fuel stations, shops and transport hubs extends it into places a café could never reach. In Poland that machine network is the largest anywhere outside Britain.
We do not yet hold a priced Costa menu in any market.
Each market has its own board. Prices are shown in local currency and are not comparable across rows - Use the index below for that.
| Market | Items | Cheapest | Average | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom Costa Coffee menu prices
GBP |
89 | £1.75 | £4.24 | United Kingdom menu prices |
| Ireland Costa Coffee menu prices
EUR |
114 | - | - | Ireland menu prices |
| United Arab Emirates Costa Coffee menu prices
AED |
53 | AED 10 | AED 24.66 | United Arab Emirates menu prices |
| India Costa Coffee menu prices
INR |
14 | ₹169 | ₹256.71 | India menu prices |
| China Costa Coffee menu prices
CNY |
21 | ¥15 | ¥32.33 | China menu prices |
| Poland Costa Coffee menu prices
PLN |
61 | zł 9.50 | zł 20.28 | Poland menu prices |
Prices are in each market’s own currency and are not comparable across rows; for that, use the price index.
Products sold under one name in four or more of our markets, converted to US dollars at weekly mid-market rates.
| Product | Markets | Cheapest (USD) | Average (USD) | Priciest (USD) | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Americano Small Costa Coffee price by country | 5 | $1.79 | $4.12 | $5.61 | +214% |
| Hot Chocolate-regular Costa Coffee price by country | 4 | $3.01 | $5.41 | $6.56 | +118% |
Every item across every Costa Coffee menu, mapped onto our dish taxonomy.
The story of Costa Coffee began in 1971, when Italian brothers Sergio and Bruno Costa set out to bring a taste of authentic Italian coffee to London. Starting with a small roastery on Fenchurch Street, they supplied their signature blend to local caterers and delicatessens. Their dedication to crafting the perfect cup led to the creation of the Mocha Italia blend - A harmonious mix of Arabica and Robusta beans, slow-roasted for a rich, smooth flavor. In 1981, the brothers opened their first coffee shop on Vauxhall Bridge Road, introducing Londoners to espresso and cappuccino served in porcelain cups, a novelty at the time. This commitment to quality and innovation laid the foundation for Costa Coffee's growth into a beloved coffeehouse chain.
At the heart of Costa Coffee's menu is the Mocha Italia blend, a testament to the Costa brothers' pursuit of coffee perfection. Each cup is brewed to highlight the blend's rich aroma and smooth taste. Beyond coffee, the menu offers a variety of options to cater to diverse tastes and dietary needs. From classic lattes and cappuccinos to innovative seasonal offerings like the Spanish Latte, which combines espresso with sweetened condensed milk for a creamy, sweet flavor, there's something for everyone. Complementing the beverages are food items such as the Nacho and Chilli Cheese Toastie and the Tiramisu Cookie Sandwich, providing delightful pairings for any time of day.
Costa Coffee believes in the power of community and strives to be more than just a coffee shop. Each store features a Community Noticeboard, allowing local events and news to be shared, fostering a sense of connection among patrons. The establishment's commitment extends globally through initiatives like the Costa Foundation, launched in 2007, aiming to eradicate poverty in coffee-growing communities by building schools and supporting education. Additionally, the Community Grants program, started in 2021, empowers team members to nominate local charities for support, with over £30,000 donated to 60 charities in 2023 alone. These efforts reflect Costa Coffee's dedication to making a positive impact, one community at a time.

Almost every restaurant you think of as a chain is owned by someone else entirely. What the franchisee actually buys, and why it explains the price on the board.

Localisation is not adding a novelty item. It is a staged process with a predictable sequence, and the menu data shows exactly how far each market has travelled.

Menu boards are designed documents, not lists. Where the money items sit, what the ordering of panels is doing, and how to find the price you actually want.
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