This modern restaurant brand is revolutionising the kebab industry

Döner Shack serves up a new recipe for success

The lasting impact of COVID-19 on restaurant franchising remains unknown, but the industry has proven its resilience over the last 18 months.

Restaurants have had to become more agile and reconsider their customer experience, as well as experience rapid digital acceleration to help deliver a more seamless and personalised service to their customers.

Döner Shack is one franchise brand that has shown its strength in times of adversity and is now set to revolutionise the kebab industry in the UK and globally.

Founders Sanjeev Sanghera and Laura Bruce are the driving forces behind this fast-casual experience. They have an ambitious vision to become the number one kebab franchise brand worldwide by providing unrivalled products with the convenience and speed that customers crave.

Following the success of Döner Haus in Glasgow in 2017, Sanjeev and Laura decided to launch a concept that would allow them access to multiple venue types, such as food courts, high street units and drive-thrus.

Having built an excellent reputation with Döner Haus and passionate about recreating the best of the German street food scene, Döner Shack was launched in Leeds in 2019.

Sanjeev says: “We used every one of our team’s combined 80-plus years of experience in the restaurant trade to ensure we created a brand that had the most innovative systems and best tasting product.

“It was equally important that we provided an unmatched training programme and the best-designed restaurants too. “Döner Shack is all about generating memorable customer experiences that produce customer loyalty, delivering engaging experiences that drive a connection to our brand at every touchpoint.

“In creating this new fast-casual concept and delivering the high service levels and support for our customers, I believe we have created a unique offering in the food industry with the perfect formula for success.”

Challenging the status quo in kebabs

Döner Shack is committed to challenging the status quo in kebabs and is focused on changing people’s perceptions of the kebab, so they can become an everyday option for eating out.

A total and radical change is needed to dispel the myth that doner kebabs are just a guilty pleasure for many late-night revellers in the UK.

The franchise brand is already achieving this in two ways. Firstly, by creating and developing its branding, packaging, menu screens, website and the look and feel of its restaurants. And secondly, by serving the highest quality products that are ethically sourced.

Laura says: “The footfall in our restaurants is proof that we’re providing our customers with a desirable product offering in a cool and contemporary environment - 50 per cent of customers are ordering at lunchtimes, proving our all-day appeal.

“They’re loving the authentic taste of the Berlin doner kebab filled with freshly made quality meat, vegetables and delicious signature sauces - something they would not expect from previous visits to a kebab shop.”

Innovation and technology

Evolving technologies are transforming the future of the restaurant industry, with innovation and automation playing a key role in creating a more efficient, safe and enjoyable place to work.

Döner Shack is already pioneering the way forward and is constantly driving towards greater efficiency in its restaurants.

For example, the brand has implemented state-of-the-art robotic kebab cutters in its kitchens to help reduce food preparation time, food waste and staff training resources.

“We live for innovation in all aspects of the business and our commitment to have the most robust and efficient systems in our industry has led to some genre-defining introductions, including a digital integration within our store designs and mobile technology,” Sanjeev says.

“We also recently developed a new loyalty app to a click and collect system, which gives customers a seamless ordering experience whether they’re eating in, collecting a takeaway or ordering a delivery online.”

Growth in the network

The Döner Shack network of multi-unit franchise partners is growing in the UK and rapidly gaining a valuable reputation as one of the leading franchise brands in the fast-casual restaurant sector.

While focusing on the UK now, the brand is also looking to expand into North America in early 2022. Amin Merali is a multi-unit franchisee who has recently joined the Döner Shack family and will be opening two new restaurants in Glasgow Silverburn and Leicester Highcross in the autumn.

He already has experience in running a network of 27 globally recognised coffee and food franchise brands and was looking for a new opportunity to expand his portfolio in the food sector.

Amin says: “While researching major food franchises, I came across Döner Shack and loved the unique dining concept. “When I met Sanjeev, his transparency coupled with the brand’s innovative technology and streamlined approach ticked all the boxes for me. It was a no-brainer to be part of this exciting new fast-casual restaurant experience.

“Having been in the food and beverage franchising sectors for 15 years, you get to hear about the new up and coming brands and Döner Shack is certainly one of them. I see lots of growth opportunity in London and within the M25 and aim to rapidly expand over the next five years.”

Investing in your future

Döner Shack is a brand with robust operational systems, authentic recipes, innovative and targeted marketing strategies, a strong financial model and a long-term growth strategy.

Franchisees can build their own highly successful and profitable businesses, which are simple, scalable and efficient, whether that be single or multiple restaurants.

A Döner Shack franchise is about a growing team, a growing vision and an ever-increasing appetite to be the leading brand globally.

It’s about remarkable products, great service and, most of all, inspiring people who want a long-term partnership with a successful food franchise with ambitions.

At a glance

Established:

2017

Number of franchised outlets:

  2 (80-plus signed development agreements)

Location of units:

  UK

Investment range:

  £300,000-£450,000

Minimum required capital:

  £200,000

Contact:

franchise@donershack.com