As Döner Shack launches its first franchise in Manchester this month, CEO and multi-unit franchisee Suj Legha tells us about his own ambitious plans to scale up the business and become the number one kebab franchise brand worldwide.
Döner Shack is a new German street food concept which is challenging the status quo of kebabs in the UK. Following the success of its sister company, Döner Haus, the founders Sanjeev Sanghera and Laura Bruce decided to create an equally successful brand that had the most innovative systems and best-tasting product. Döner Shack was launched in Leeds in 2019.
I’m no stranger to franchising – I’ve been involved in the industry for over 23 years. I’ve always had a passion for business startups since the age of 21 and this has involved me investing in a number of franchises across different sectors, including retail, construction, food and internet marketing. My journey has included taking Papa John’s Pizza to Scotland in 2001 and, for the past eight years, I’ve been an award-winning business mentor and coach with ActionCOACH across Scotland. Döner Shack is my latest venture.
I was introduced to Döner Shack’s Co-Founder and Managing Director, Sanjeev Sanghera, in 2019. After our initial meeting, I then began to coach Sanjeev and couldn’t help but fall in love with the brand’s business model and food. I could instantly see the potential within Döner Shack and, with my business coaching hat on, I knew I wanted to be involved in one way or another.
Key player in the industry
One of my biggest regrets, having been in franchising for over two decades, was that I didn’t get involved in any of the big fast food franchise brands. I was determined not to lose out this time. I firmly believe Döner Shack will be a key player in the industry and I wanted to be part of the brand’s development in its early stages.
Six months after being appointed CEO, I decided to then invest in two Döner Shack restaurants in Manchester – the first is in Manchester Arndale – due to launch in November – and the second will open later this year. Manchester was an obvious location to open the restaurants as we already have a successful Döner Haus restaurant in the city and a good understanding of the demographics and our target audience.
As a franchisor, Döner Shack has ambitious plans to scale up the business rapidly in the UK, as well as create a strong brand loyalty, solid financial business model and longevity. As a franchise partner, I aspire to be the largest multi-unit operator in the UK with over 20 restaurants by 2026.
Exceptional training
In my role as franchise partner, the training has been exceptional. I’ve received an A-Z of how to run a successful restaurant franchise. Although it was hard work, it was an incredible experience and it really opened my eyes. The training covered everything from how to make a kebab to serving customers, stock ordering and how to minimise waste and deal with suppliers. It also included how to manage and lead a team, which will be helpful for our other franchise partners who don’t necessarily have this experience.
The ongoing support provided by Döner Shack is equally as important as the training. The management has created an open-door policy to encourage openness and transparency with its franchise partners, as well as allowing them access to Sanjeev and his extensive experience of running restaurants. Additional ongoing marketing support is available at a local, national and international level and an in-house marketing team keep the brand looking fresh.
Before investing in the franchise, a major criteria was being able to build and run a business without being there, particularly as I live in Glasgow. Döner Shack is a highly systemised, simple, and easily scalable business model. It is pioneering in its innovation and technology and is one of the most fashionable and profitable fast-casual concepts in the food industry.
Döner Shack might be my fourth franchise, but it’s also completely different, both in terms of franchise model and product offering. I’m excited to own a slice of the £2.8 billion UK kebab market and start the race to become the number one kebab franchise in the world.
Döner Shack is due to open its door in Manchester Arndale early November and will be followed by a further two restaurants in Leicester and Glasgow later this year. Expansion into the United States will take place early 2022.
