German Doner Kebab

GDK is redefining the doner kebab. Fresh, halal and made to order, GDK has become one of the UK's fastest growing restaurant brands.

The Franchise Opportunity

The concept

GDK's vision is to be the number one kebab brand in the world, built on consistency in food, experience and value. The brand sits within the Mediterranean grilled segment, one of the fastest growing areas of the restaurant industry, and has moved the doner kebab on from a late night takeaway staple to an all day dining choice. Only a small share of GDK's sales now come after 11pm.

The growing business

GDK now operates more than 150 restaurants in the UK and over 170 worldwide, across the UK, UAE, Sweden, Canada, the United States and Saudi Arabia, with new markets in Ireland and India launching in 2026. The brand is targeting around 300 UK restaurants and £1 billion in system sales across 15 markets by the end of 2028. In May 2025, private equity firm True invested in parent company Hero Brands to fund this next phase of growth.

The franchise opportunity

GDK would like to hear from interested parties who have the experience and resources required to join its successful UK expansion as multi-unit franchisees. GDK is also looking for International Master Franchisees, Area/Country Developers and experienced multi-unit operators overseas. Single unit franchises are not currently being offered in the UK.

About the brand

GDK is a fast casual brand built around a genuinely different kebab. It traces its roots to Berlin in 1989, launched as a franchise in Dubai in 2013 and arrived in the UK in 2015 with its first restaurant in Birmingham. Since then the brand has grown at pace, passing 150 UK restaurants in 2025 and continuing to open new sites across high streets, shopping centres and motorway services.

Every kebab is prepared fresh to order using premium lean meats, handmade toasted waffle bread, fresh locally sourced vegetables and signature sauces, and every dish is 100% halal. GDK has built a reputation for turning a familiar takeaway staple into food people are proud to be seen eating, day or night, through dine in, takeaway and delivery.