German Doner Kebab set to open 92 new franchise stores over the next 3 years

A brand new style of franchise is promising to reinvent the kebab for the British public. No longer will the kebab be considered an unhealthy, greasy, after-pub snack… as it has now undergone a much needed makeover.

German Doner Kebab (GDK), a new fast-food concept in the UK, is an international franchise phenomenon with 45 stores worldwide. It was created in Germany in 1989, with the vision to create classic, authentic and healthy kebabs, combining high quality produce with excellent customer service. A GDK kebab has less than half the calories of a regular kebab, as it only uses 100% lean, succulent, halal meat, along with handmade breads and signature sauces.

In contrast to most kebab outlets the GDK concept is primarily a sit-in restaurant as well as providing take-away with a 60/40 split predicted. It is estimated that around 100 new GDK franchise stores will open in the UK in coming years.

A recent addition to the GDK family, is Fahad Yusaf and his business partner Safwan Adam, who have recently opened a franchise store in Kilburn, north-west London.

Fahad explains: “GDK is a brand new concept in the UK, but is a very successful brand worldwide, particularly in the Middle East. GDK is focused on quality, and is committed to changing people’s perception of the kebab. The fast food market is very competitive, and usually seen as unhealthy, 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.”

Fahad adds: “We chose Kilburn as it is a very busy, multi-cultural borough of London, famed for its lively community and diverse range of eateries. We see it as the perfect location to open our first GDK outlet. In the future we hope to open a cluster of stores around this area so we can introduce the German engineered kebab to as many people as possible.”

The German Doner Kebab franchise was introduced to the UK and Ireland by United Brands who acquired the master franchise. The Sarwar family operate one of Scotland’s most successful business groups. The £230m empire encompasses a wholesale cash and carry business, 532 franchised convenience stores, a chain of pubs, Asian restaurants and a pharmacy group as well as a soft play centre and bowling alley.

GDK UK CEO Imran Sayeed explains: “We came across German Doner Kebab on a business trip to Dubai jut over 4 years ago, and were blown away with the quality it provided, so decided to investigate the company further. We visited the HQ in Dubai and discovered they had over 40 stores globally. We are sure the UK public are going to love the product as much as we do. The kebab is very popular in Germany and is considered the number one street food. Our kebabs offer a healthy alternative to burgers as they are lower in calories.

Mr Sayeed adds: “We are looking for franchisees right across the UK. 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. One million fans on the international Facebook page can’t be wrong!”

The total investment required is between £140,000 to £200,000 depending on the size of the restaurant which can range from 800 to 2000 sq. feet. There is also a kiosk option (350-600 sq. ft.). GDK has franchises in10 countries in Europe and the Middle East with plans to open in the US in the near future.

United Brands have already signed up over 80 franchisee locations, with experienced franchise operators.