News

German Doner Kebab seeking master franchisees across the globe

August 16, 2017

German Doner Kebab, which has signed about 200 franchise locations throughout England, Scotland and Wales, is seeking global master franchisees to help add to its 60 units already operating in the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Pakistan, Sweden and the UK. 

"It's our aim to have 700 franchise stores open in the UK and Ireland over the next 10 years, and a further 1,500 stores open worldwide in the same timeframe," GDK International CEO Imran Sayeed, said in a company press release. "GDK is a very simple franchise to operate as it does not require a qualified chef to prepare the meals. It's more a case of assembling the ingredients. ... the German Engineered Kebab."

The brand, which launched last year, recently sold worldwide expansion rights to United Brands, which is based in Scotland and encompasses a wholesale cash-and-carry business, 532 franchised convenience stores, a chain of pubs, Asian restaurants and a pharmacy group worth £230 million (nearly $296 million).

"We seriously believe in this brand, all of our UK stores are doing unbelievably well," Sayeed said. "So, when the opportunity came up to buy the worldwide brand, we had to take it."

German Doner Kebab's UK management team has added several senior managers from a variety of global food and beverage franchise brands into key positions such as operations director and director for training, store development and operational excellence.  

In addition, the company is rolling out a new look and feel to the stores.

"There is nothing else like GDK, it definitely offers a unique opportunity for serious investors. GDK is focused on quality, and is committed to changing people's perception of the kebab,” Sayeed  said. “The fast food market is very competitive with a number of gourmet burger brands entering the sector, however, GDK brings in a new dimension to the kebab market by offering a quality fresh gourmet range which is also healthy ... a kebab without the guilt.

Franchisees wanted

The GDK franchisee fee is £15,000, ($19,290) with the total investment required between £200,000 - £300,000 ($257,201-385,801) depending on the condition of the unit and size. Locations, which must be at least 1,000 square feet and capable of generating revenues of at least £15,000 ($19,290) a week. That means locations must have a sufficient number of covers for dine-in and space for take-away," Sayeed said.