Wenzel’s Launch Our First-Ever Franchise Partnership
We are excited to share a big milestone for Wenzel’s The Bakers. As we celebrate 50 years on the British high street, we are launching our very first franchise partnership with Southern Co-op.
This partnership, built around shared community values, will bring our freshly baked favourites to even more neighbourhoods across the UK.
50 Years of Family Baking
Wenzel’s The Bakers was founded in 1975 by Peter Wenzel, who continues to lead the business as Chairman alongside his daughter Sarah Wenzel, CEO. As an independent family business, our focus has always been on quality, value and serving our communities.
For five decades, we’ve been baking fresh bread, delicious sausage rolls, handmade cakes and freshly filled sandwiches for customers across London and the South.
What started as a single bakery has grown into one of the UK’s largest independent family-run bakery retailers. Now, in our 50th year, franchising is our next step to reach more customers across the UK while staying true to what matters most.
Our First Franchise Store Opens in Guildford
The first store under our new franchise model opened in Guildford in September 2025, with more locations set to follow.
The new Wenzel’s bakery in Guildford offers everything customers know and love, including:
- Fresh bread baked daily
- Classic and speciality sausage rolls
- Freshly prepared baguettes and sandwiches
- Hand-finished cakes and sweet treats
- Great value meal deals for food on the go
As demand for fresh, convenient food continues to grow, this franchise partnership helps us meet that demand in busy, high-footfall locations.
We’re looking forward to becoming part of the Guildford community and welcoming new customers through the doors.
A Partnership Built on Community Values
Southern Co-op’s strong community focus made this a natural fit.
Sarah Wenzel, CEO of Wenzel’s The Bakers, said:
“We’re delighted that Southern Co-op have chosen to be our franchise partner and are confident that our collaborative partnership will be mutually beneficial and rewarding in the coming year. Southern Co-op is a business that has consistently put the community first, and with this shared vision of offering high-quality food for all, we’re in a strong position to bring delicious, freshly baked goods at accessible prices to even more customers across the UK.
For us, this first franchise partnership is about growing carefully, working with the right people and making sure more neighbourhoods can enjoy the food we bake fresh every day.”
Looking Ahead
Reaching 50 years on the high street is something we’re incredibly proud of. This new chapter builds on that legacy while opening the door to the next 50 years.
Guildford is just the beginning. As we expand our Wenzel’s franchise partnership model, we’re excited to bring Wenzel’s The Bakers to new towns and communities across the country.
Wherever we open next, our focus stays the same, fresh products, fair prices and friendly service from a family bakery that cares.
