31. Cook & Garcia

Founders: Richard and Janet Garcia
Founded: August 2011 (launched May 2012)
Website: www.cookandgarcia.co.uk

Sandwich shops are far from uncommon on the high street, but the majority are chains which sell pretty standard, pre-packaged fare. New York-style deli Cook & Garcia is not just your average sandwich shop, and has the credentials to prove it – winning best independent sandwich bar in the UK at the British Sandwich Industry Awards two years in a row.

Opening on Richmond high street in 2012, the independent retailer sells a range of freshly made sandwiches, salads, soups, cakes and coffee using locally sourced ingredients. Taking on the global brands was never going to be easy, but with Janet’s sales and marketing experience and Richard’s years as a head chef, the husband-and-wife team have grown their business to achieve half a million turnover last year, netting them a decent profit.

Following private equity investment announced in last year’s Startups 100 listing, the brand has also just opened its second location in Monument City. With plans to open two more shops over the course of the next year and turnover set to double in 2015, Cook & Garcia could soon be coming to a location near you…