The move marks a pivotal moment for founders Sanj Sanghera and Laura Bruce, who are shifting their focus from navigating the challenges of the UK hospitality market to embracing the vast opportunities available in the United States.
“There’s a lot of confidence in the US – it’s the most established franchise market in the world, particularly for the QSR sector. We’re excited to operate in an environment that offers strong opportunities for growth and success, allowing our business to thrive, as opposed to dealing with constant setbacks we’ve seen in the UK since March 2020,” said Laura.
The relocation isn’t just about better weather; Miami offers a well-connected, franchise-friendly business environment. With a thriving QSR industry and ample opportunities to grow, Doner Shack sees Miami as a gateway to scale its operations globally. Additionally, the US government’s commitment to fostering business growth was a significant factor in the decision to make Doner Shack an American company.
The US franchise market is unparalleled in scale and maturity and Doner Shack is already seeing the benefits of this shift, by tapping into the vast resources provided by the International Franchise Association (IFA).
“I spoke to franchisees in the US with over 1,000 restaurants – far surpassing the scale of most major brands in the UK. The business environment here is incredibly dynamic, with highly motivated individuals, ample opportunities to secure prime locations, and vast areas available for development. It’s a much better environment for us as a business,” added Sanj.
Ultimately, the recent UK budget announcement which revealed plans to increase taxes on businesses, paired with ongoing economic pressures, underscored the need for change.
“In Europe, most hospitality businesses benefit from a VAT sales tax of 10% or less, while in the UK, we face a rate of 20%. Combined with rising costs during the inflationary period of 2023, this has made operations increasingly challenging. Additional pressures, such as higher employer national insurance contributions and the end of pandemic-level business rates relief, doesn’t build great confidence and has further compounded the strain. By contrast, the US offers a much more supportive environment for businesses, and we’re already feeling more optimistic about the opportunities here,” said Sanj.
Miami isn’t just a strategic hub for US operations; it’s a launchpad for Doner Shack’s international ambitions. The city’s proximity to millions of tourists and its business-friendly atmosphere set the stage for the franchise to grow its global footprint. Prospective franchisees will also benefit from the new location, with easy access to nearby Doner Shack outlets for discovery days and operational insights.
“One of the main reasons we chose the US, and ultimately Miami, is the strength of its business environment. Miami provides a solid foundation for growth, with access to a broad customer base, an established franchising network, and excellent opportunities to scale our operations,” concluded Laura.
With its innovative approach to QSR dining and a proven track record of success, Doner Shack is ready to make waves in the US market. By leveraging the robust franchising infrastructure and dynamic business opportunities in the US, the franchise is poised to establish itself as a standout player in the industry.
