Franchising

German Doner Kebab opening 350 locations in 7 years?

Provided

August 11, 2020

German Doner Kebab, which operates more than 60 stores in the UK, Sweden, Dubai, Abu-Dhabi, Oman and Bahrain, is on a mission to open 350 units around the world over the next seven years. To make that happen, it has signed several franchisees, including he Ajlan Bin Ajlan Group, the master franchisee in Saudi Arabia that will open 100 stores over the next 10 years, according to a company press release.

Now employing over 1,000 people throughout England, the brand has opened 35 restaurants in the UK during the past three years, and growth is also on the horizon in North America. Franchises have signed deals to open in Canada's Ontario and British Columbia provinces, while negotiations are underway to open outlets in Manhattan, New Jersey and in Houston.

Jon Cullen, group franchise director global, said recent agreements include partnerships with experienced multi-unit franchise partners with experience with internationally renowned brands, including KFC, Starbucks and McDonald's.

"The interest and developments in recent months reflects our position as one of the world's most exciting fast-casual brands," he said in the release. "We have been building a number of new partnerships with experienced franchise investors during this time and plans are well on their way to open up a new region in the Middle East."

The brand's senior management team has vast experience in the QSR and fast-casual sectors of the restaurant industry.

"Our unique fast-casual dining experience and our experienced senior team brings a strong proposition and opportunity to accomplished franchisers, which is being reflected in the strategic partnerships we are developing across the globe," Cullen said. '"Our current partners are the epitome of what we look for and we continue to work closely with them to strengthen our partnerships and build the most exciting fast-casual brand of the future."

GDK opened its first restaurant in 1989 in Berlin.