Frisby España reports Colombian interest in its franchises

Frisby España says Colombians are among those interested in buying its franchises, as it remains embroiled in a legal dispute with Frisby Colombia over the use and commercial exploitation of the brand. The Spanish company operates two delivery-only kitchens in Madrid and, according to its chief executive, Charles Dupont, has already received initial franchise fees from five franchisees who have yet to open their premises.

Five franchisees have paid but are not yet operating

In an interview published by La República on 27 October 2026, Dupont explained that the five new franchisees are working on their business plans and finding locations for their premises. Payment of the fee therefore represents commercial progress for the franchise offering, but does not amount to five completed openings.

“We have signed up five new franchisees who have not yet opened, but have already paid the initial franchise fee,” the executive told the newspaper. His statement places these participants at the preparatory stage, before operations begin.

The distinction matters to Colombia’s franchise community: the Madrid operation currently described consists of two delivery-only kitchens. The franchisees’ future premises represent a further phase of the project and should not be counted as outlets already serving customers.

Colombian interest in a Spanish venture

Dupont confirmed that Colombians, French nationals and people from Switzerland are among those who have expressed interest in the offering. However, he did not specify how many prospective investors are from Colombia or identify the nationalities of the five franchisees who have already paid their initial fees.

The announcement therefore does not establish that contracts have been signed with Colombian investors. What the executive confirmed is their presence among interested parties, a different category from those who have already made a contractual and financial commitment.

The franchise offering described belongs to the company incorporated in Spain, which is in a legal dispute with Frisby Colombia. This is not an announcement of expansion by the Colombian company or of new outlets it is opening in the European market.

That distinction is central to understanding the news. The shared trading name exists alongside a trademark dispute, so the reported interest from Colombian investors should be understood as a statement about the Spanish venture, not as evidence of a business relationship between the two companies.

Two delivery-only kitchens as a starting point

Frisby España officially began operating in Madrid in August 2026 through two delivery-only kitchens. According to Dupont, sales exceeded initial forecasts, although that assessment alone does not indicate the profitability future franchisees might achieve.

The executive’s stated aim is to build a national chain and eventually expand into other European Union countries. Franchising is central to that expansion plan.

“Our goal is not to have three or four restaurants; it is to become a national chain and, hopefully, a continental one in other European Union countries,” he said. This is a business ambition: the actual operations described remain concentrated in Madrid, while the five franchisees prepare their businesses.

The legal dispute remains part of the picture

The announced expansion is proceeding alongside the dispute with Frisby Colombia. In the interview, Dupont said there had been no new developments in the lawsuit and offered a favourable assessment of the Spanish company’s position.

The executive described it as “highly unlikely” that the other party could prevent them from operating, although he acknowledged that the risk exists. He also said that, should it materialise, they would seek a financial solution with their franchisees. That statement expresses the executive’s intention; it does not describe a contractual guarantee or establish its terms or scope.

For prospective investors assessing the offering from abroad, including Colombia, the practical point is to distinguish between commercial interest, signed contracts, outlets already open and expansion ambitions. Before committing funds, investors should verify the identity of the contracting company, its rights to use the brand and the clauses that would apply in the event of a court-imposed restriction, with independent legal advice.