GERMAN Doner Kebab (GDK) has recently opened its doors to another UK restaurant – its 128th location in its home market of the UK and 150th internationally. This milestone further strengthens GDK’s position as the Global #1 doner kebab chain.
The new GDK opened on May 10th in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, to a tremendous reception by the local community.
Since its inception, GDK has been revolutionising the humble doner kebab across the globe, bringing a fresh, high-quality taste sensation and superior dining experience that has made it the go-to place to enjoy a quality, tasty, premium yet affordable kebab.
Freshly prepared in front of customers, GDK’s game-changing kebabs masterfully combine premium, lean, succulent meats and fresh local vegetables, served in handmade, toasted waffle bread topped with unique signature sauces.
The brand’s superior product combined with its unique dining experience has fuelled its rapid growth in response to exploding consumer demand, with the fast-casual brand now employing over 4,500 people across its 150 restaurants worldwide.
GDK has also been making steps to strengthen its senior leadership team recently, with two significant hires from Domino’s UK. The brand’s new CEO Simon Wallis has been joined by Robin Caley, the GDK’s new Chief Development Officer.
Simon said: “Reaching 150 restaurants worldwide with our Weston-super-Mare opening is a testament to our incredible growth and commitment to delivering a new dining experience across the globe.
“Our expectation-defying kebabs are revolutionising this popular street food worldwide. This unique innovation on a traditional dish has captured the imagination of a global audience to elevate GDK into becoming a market leader in the F&B space.
“At GDK, we are committed to growth and strengthening our position as the UK’s fastest growing restaurant chain. Beyond that our global demand reflects our position as one of the world’s most exciting fast-casual brands.”
As part of worldwide growth plans, GDK is forging ahead with further expansion into international markets this year.
The fast-casual brand has plans already underway to open 12 new restaurants in North America, following its recent openings in Astoria, Queens, New York and Sugar Land near Houston, Texas.
It is also just about to open its first restaurant in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The global development pipeline for German Doner Kebab includes plans to open 400 restaurants worldwide in the next seven years.
In order to achieve this target, GDK has recently signed up some major new franchise partners. Atul Pathak, formerly McDonald’s biggest UK franchise partner, sold his portfolio and joined up with GDK in 2022, while Maristo Hospitality, one of the fastest-growing hospitality groups in the Middle East region, has acquired the GDK master franchise for the UAE.
