There’s certainly no stopping the Scotland-based franchise which is planning to open dozens of new outlets during the next 10 months.
German Doner Kebab (GDK) has plans to open 78 new UK restaurants during 2022. This ambitious recent announcement means the company is on course to create almost 3,000 new jobs across the country, making it the UK’s fastest-growing restaurant chain.
New locations include Aberdeen, Brighton, Great Yarmouth, Leeds, Portsmouth and Stoke, while additional sites will open in London and Glasgow. GDK is revolutionising the kebab market in the UK, and in 2021 its total sales increased by a whopping 75% from the previous 12 months. Same-store sales were up by 27% on 2020.
Now employing more than 3,500 people throughout the country, the company is expecting to operate in excess of 350 franchise units by the end of the decade. With its UK headquarters in Glasgow, the brand has grown at great pace in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Ireland, Sweden, Canada and United States.
Chief executive Imran Sayeed said: “2021 was a landmark year for German Doner Kebab. However, the next 12 months are going to be even bigger as we open 78 restaurants in the UK, which will double our current portfolio. We have been extremely agile during the pandemic, listening to the needs of our customers and responding to the huge demand for our game-changing kebabs.”
GDK are also expecting to expand significantly in Europe, with the company opening its first outlet in Spain shortly. Imran added: “We are looking to build on this wave of momentum, and bring a fresh and exciting alternative to the Gen Z and Millennial audience. We will forge ahead with international growth in 2022.”
There will be 11 new restaurants in North America, while the Ajlan Bin Ajlan Group has been unveiled as the master-franchisee in Saudi Arabia, where 100 GDK restaurants will open over the next five years.
Imran continued: “The global demand reflects our position as one of the world’s most exciting fast-casual brands. We have developed strong franchise relationships in strategic global locations, and we are working closely with our partners to expand our reach into new regions.”
About German Doner Kebab: Opening its first restaurant in Berlin 33 years ago, GDK spent the first decade developing its products and recipes, while creating its own unique blend of spices. They use lean succulent meats imported directly from Germany, along with fresh locally produced vegetables, and all within handmade bread which is prepared and baked daily. The brand is owned by the Hero Brands group.
