Nucha aims to reach 20 outlets through franchise expansion beyond Buenos Aires
With 17 outlets, Nucha is targeting Neuquén, Salta, San Juan and Catamarca. The stated investment for a franchise ranges from US$120,000 to US$140,000.
Published
Nucha aims to end 2026 with 20 outlets, focusing its expansion on Argentina’s regions beyond Buenos Aires. The Buenos Aires-based patisserie currently has 17 outlets: 15 franchised and two company-owned. Neuquén, Salta, San Juan and Catamarca are its priority markets for the three additional openings needed to reach that target.
Expansion focused beyond Greater Buenos Aires
Franquisia reported the plan on 29 October, drawing on information the company supplied to iProfesional and which L’Express Franchise published on 5 October. The search for new franchisees combines a growth target for the year with a decision to limit the number of outlets in the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area, known locally as AMBA.
For AMBA, Nucha has set a ceiling of between 20 and 25 outlets to protect the profitability of each location. This range is a guideline for developing the metropolitan network and should not be confused with the target of ending 2026 with 20 outlets overall.
The four priority markets outside Buenos Aires are locations where the company is seeking franchisees, not four confirmed openings. The distinction matters: the announced target requires three additional outlets, but the published information neither assigns each opening to a city nor provides an opening schedule.
For Argentina’s franchise sector, the proposal therefore reflects two complementary decisions: extending the brand’s geographical reach while capping growth within the metropolitan market.
How much does a Nucha franchise cost?
The stated initial investment is between US$120,000 and US$140,000. The proposed format requires premises of 80–100 square metres and a team of seven people per outlet. The estimated payback period is 20–30 months.
The main published financial and operating figures are:
| Item | Stated figure |
|---|---|
| Initial investment | US$120,000–US$140,000 |
| Premises size | 80–100 m² |
| Staffing | Seven people |
| Estimated payback period | 20–30 months |
| Franchise fee and royalties | Not disclosed |
The payback period should be treated as an estimate, not a guaranteed outcome. When assessing a specific location, prospective franchisees should test it against a budget that accounts for the condition of the premises, rent and operating costs.
The lack of publicly available figures for the franchise fee and royalties does not mean these charges do not apply. Anyone interested should ask about them before comparing the offer with other options or calculating the capital needed to start trading.
A predominantly franchised network
With 15 franchised outlets out of a total of 17, Nucha’s current network relies primarily on franchisees. The two company-owned outlets complete the structure reported by the business.
The move into new markets accompanies a reorganisation of the business into four units. The published information presents this reorganisation alongside the growth plan and the metropolitan expansion limit, without explaining the nature of each unit.
The announcement is therefore specific in scope: the company is seeking franchisees outside Buenos Aires, has set an outlet target and has provided an investment range. It does not confirm signed agreements or addresses for forthcoming openings.
What to check before proceeding
For anyone considering the opportunity in Neuquén, Salta, San Juan or Catamarca, the first practical step is to confirm territory availability and premises requirements with the brand. The published floor area provides a starting point for shortlisting properties, but it is no substitute for assessing each location individually.
Prospective franchisees should also request an investment breakdown, confirm what is included and review the contractual terms, particularly any charges that have not been disclosed. A budget based on local costs will allow them to test the estimated payback period against different sales and expenditure levels.
The practical takeaway: use the announced figures as a starting point, and proceed only once you have a complete proposal for your chosen market.
