Lookumades UK opens franchise applications in Ireland

Greek dessert brand Lookumades UK has opened applications for franchise partners across the UK and Ireland, almost a year after launching its first shop in Canterbury, Kent. The announcement introduces a new prospect for Ireland’s franchise community, with two operating formats available and a recruitment process that includes a visit to the founding store.

Canterbury brand seeks partners in Ireland

In an announcement published by Franchising.com on 2 November 2026, Lookumades UK said it was inviting applications from people interested in building the brand in their own town. Its core product is loukoumades, the Greek doughnuts from which the business takes its name.

The company describes itself as an independent Greek dessert brand. It is owned outright by its founders and is not affiliated with another brand or an overseas franchisor. That distinction identifies the business behind the offer: prospective partners would be exploring a relationship with the founder-owned Canterbury operation, rather than a local extension of a separate international network.

For Ireland, the announcement concerns franchise recruitment rather than a confirmed shop opening. It names the UK and Ireland as expansion territories but does not announce an Irish location or an opening date. The immediate development is therefore the availability of applications, not an established Irish trading presence.

Kiosk and full-store options

Lookumades UK is offering two formats: a compact kiosk designed for high-footfall locations and a full store. These give applicants two different premises options to discuss with the brand as they consider a potential location.

The kiosk’s stated focus on footfall makes the proposed setting an important part of that discussion. Applicants considering either format should ask how the brand assesses a location and what evidence it expects before progressing with a site. The announcement does not establish that either option would suit a particular Irish town or property.

The company says new partners will open with trainers in store and marketing active from day one. Those are the specific launch-support commitments outlined in the announcement. For a prospective operator, the next step is to establish what those commitments mean in practice: who delivers the training, how long support remains on site and which marketing activities are included.

Those questions would help distinguish the support available at opening from any arrangements that continue afterwards.

Irish agency joins the expansion effort

Lookumades UK is the first brand to partner with Blitz Franchise Ireland, a new franchise development agency that will support its expansion across the UK and Ireland.

The founders said they chose Blitz for its energy and ambition as a young business entering the market, qualities they recognised in themselves. The partnership gives the recruitment announcement a direct Irish business connection alongside the inclusion of Ireland in the brand’s target territory.

The roles are worth keeping distinct. Lookumades UK is the dessert business offering franchise opportunities, while Blitz Franchise Ireland is supporting the expansion effort. The announcement does not identify an appointed Irish franchisee.

For applicants, this is an opportunity to clarify which organisation handles each stage of recruitment and which responsibilities remain with the founders. Understanding those arrangements would help prospective partners establish whom to approach about commercial terms, training and the proposed opening process.

Applications begin before financial disclosure

The recruitment process starts with a short application and a mutual non-disclosure agreement. Applicants then attend a discovery day at the Canterbury flagship, where they can meet the founders and see the business trading. Detailed figures are shared after the agreement is in place.

That makes the discovery visit a significant stage for Irish applicants: it offers a chance to observe the existing operation rather than assess the proposition solely through promotional material. However, a visit should complement, rather than replace, scrutiny of the financial information and franchise agreement.

The public announcement does not state an investment figure or franchise fee. Applicants should therefore establish the full costs, contractual obligations and assumptions behind any financial projections before making a commitment.

Practical takeaway: Irish applicants can now explore Lookumades UK’s kiosk and store opportunities, but should use the disclosure process and Canterbury visit to test the costs, support package and suitability of their proposed location.