German Doner Kebab set to open 78 restaurants this year

German Doner Kebab plans to open 78 news restaurants this year in a dramatic expansion which will create almost 3,000 jobs.

The kebab chain said it will grow to 170 restaurants across the UK this year as it continues to shrug off the challenging environment currently facing the casual dining sector.

It comes after the fast-casual chain opened 39 restaurants last year despite pandemic disruption.

Bosses at the business said the new growth plan will take the brand to Leeds, Brighton, Portsmouth, Great Yarmouth, Aberdeen, Stoke and include additional sites in London and Glasgow.

Last year, the group reported a 75% jump in total sales as it was buoyed by trade from new sites.

German Doner Kebab also reported a 27% in same store sales in 2021 compared with the previous year.

Imran Sayeed, chief executive officer for the brand, said: “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.

“This has enabled us to build greater levels of brand awareness and customer loyalty as we bring the German Doner Kebab experience to more cities and towns throughout the UK.”

The Glasgow-based business currently employs around 3,500 over the UK and plans to add another 2,900 workers this year.

The chain also highlighted a development pipeline of 350 sites it hopes to open over the next seven years.

It also operates over 80 restaurants elsewhere across the world, with the firm also planning a further 11 North American openings in 2022 as well as its first site in Saudi Arabia.

Mr Sayeed added: “We have developed strong franchise relationships in strategic global locations and we are now working closely with our partners to take forward development plans and expand our reach into new regions.”