Crosstown doughnuts sold to former Burger King franchisee

Crosstown Doughnuts has been sold to Karali Snacks Limited in a deal to secure the future of the business.

The transaction includes 27 operating locations, including the majority of Crosstown’s stores, market units, kiosks, concessions and trucks.

It will see the transfer of 140 staff, including the senior leadership team of the business, under the new owners.

Crosstown was co-founded by Adam Wills and JP Then in 2014 and offers richly flavoured doughnuts, the majority of which are priced over £5.

It has grown from a street food stall to a multi-channel retailer selling doughnuts and coffee across London, Cambridge, Oxford, Bristol and Bath.

The brand’s doughnut flavours include Banana Smoothie; Peanut Butter and Blackcurrant; and Pistachio and Rose.

Crosstown also offers delivery, caters for weddings and events and sells its doughnuts in Harrods, Whole Foods and Benugo cafes.

The group has been working with Interpath Advisory to explore investment options to support its ongoing operations and future expansion.

Karali Snacks Ltd is part of the multinational food business Karali Group, which was previously the biggest UK franchisee of Burger King before it exited all 74 sites in 2022.

Howard Ebison, who took over from Wills as chief executive of Crosstown last year, will continue to lead the business.

“We’re delighted to start the next chapter for Crosstown,” said Ebison.

“The Karali Group brings a wealth of experience and an exceptional track record growing hospitality brands.”

Karim Janmohamed of Karali Group said the team were “immediately attracted” by the chance to invest in Crosstown.

“We are delighted to get this transaction over the line and are excited about the opportunity to work with the Crosstown team on further developing and enhancing this fantastic brand and offering,” said Janmohamed.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Crosstown closed its Brighton café in April after just two years of trading.