Interview with Syeda Kayanath, Franchisor of Mowchi
Tell us a bit about yourself
I graduated in Psychology and began my career working in special needs schools, providing 1:1 ABA therapy. Alongside this, I always had a strong passion for business, branding, and marketing. Soon after finishing university, I opened a marketing consultancy where I worked with various brands to develop their business and identity.
I later joined a franchise brand called Afrikana, where I became their Brand and Marketing Director. This role introduced me to the world of hospitality and food, allowing me to blend my expertise in marketing with real operational experience. With this foundation, I decided to create something of my own that reflected both my interests and the needs of a new generation.
That’s how Mowchi was born. Inspired by mochi, the beloved Japanese rice cake dessert, Mowchi combines the spirit of Asian street food and desserts with contemporary coffee culture. It’s everything that represents me but also resonates with today’s consumers—a clean, sleek, and minimal café brand where specialty coffee, premium matcha, and Asian fusion come together in perfect harmony. Mowchi is more than just a café; it’s a lifestyle experience.
Can you tell us about Mowchi
Mowchi was first established in 2022, and we began franchising towards the end of the same year. We now have multiple successful locations, including Mile End, Bradford, East Ham, Canterbury, and Lakeside Shopping Centre, with our newest opening in Camden and Wembley London Designer Outlet. We’re continuing to expand across the UK with plans to grow further into new cities.
We chose to franchise because there really isn’t another brand quite like Mowchi that brings together specialty coffee, premium matcha, and Asian fusion cuisine in such a beautifully designed space. Our flexible model allows you to take on anything from a 500 sqft kiosk to a full 1800 sqft café with our complete menu, which includes bao buns, Japanese sandos, and our signature drinks.
An important part of Mowchi’s concept is inclusivity. When looking at central London and other key city locations, we recognised a gap: while great coffee and matcha were available, food offerings were rarely halal. We wanted to create a café that offers both—so our halal light bites perfectly complement our coffee and matcha, making Mowchi accessible to a wider audience.
What is your role in the company?
As Founder and CEO, I oversee all operations of Mowchi. I am heavily involved in brand development, ensuring that Mowchi remains relevant, innovative, and relatable. With my background in marketing, I focus strongly on keeping customers engaged through our social media platforms—our Instagram and TikTok @mowchi.uk have already grown to over 10k followers, with our online presence continuing to expand.
Why is Mowchi a great investment for potential franchisees?
The cost of setting up a Mowchi is far lower than many other brands on the market. The build process is quick and efficient, and with our comprehensive training and ongoing support, the return on investment is excellent.
What differentiates Mowchi from the competition?
Mowchi’s unique, authentic, soft, and aesthetic brand is a minimalist’s dream. In a world full of noise and hustle, Mowchi offers a calm, clean, and cosy environment where customers can fully immerse themselves in the experience—whether enjoying a matcha latte, a bao bun, or simply unwinding in our beautifully designed spaces.
What is the role of a Mowchi franchisee?
Franchisees should know the business inside out—from operations to marketing, and from crafting specialty coffee and matcha to preparing our signature Asian fusion dishes. Whether they’re managing day-to-day operations or not, knowledge of the brand and its values is key to driving maximum potential.
What qualities do you look for in a franchisee?
We look for individuals who can demonstrate strong people management and leadership skills, excellent business administration, and great customer service. Most importantly, they should embrace our mantra of warmth and hospitality—treating every customer as a valued guest.
What advice would you give to someone considering franchising their business?
Franchising is an incredible journey, but it’s not something to enter lightly– it’s a long-term commitment that requires hard work, consistency, and resilience. You need to be prepared to wear many hats, from managing staff and ensuring smooth operations to marketing, customer service, and financial management. Organisation and communication will be your best friends.
My biggest advice is to choose a brand that you truly connect with and ask yourself if you believe in the concept, the values, and the lifestyle that the brand represents. When you’re passionate about what you’re building, that enthusiasm naturally translates into how you run your business, how your team feels, and ultimately how customers experience it.
Also, lean into the support system your franchisor provides. You’re never on this journey alone—franchising gives you the independence of running your own business with the safety net of proven systems, training, and a community around you. If you’re committed, adaptable, and willing to learn every step of the way, franchising can be one of the most rewarding paths in business.
Interested and want to know more about Mowchi ?
The Mowchi profile outlines all aspects of their franchise opportunity and allows you to contact them for further information or to ask a question.
