UK’s largest McDonald’s franchisee goes all in on GDK

Atul Pathak OBE is one of the nation’s most successful franchisee entrepreneurs, operating 43 McDonald’s restaurants and employing more than 3,500 staff for nearly two decades

German Doner Kebab (GDK) has announced its newest partnership with Atul Pathak OBE, who was formerly McDonald’s largest franchisee in the UK, operating 43 restaurants and employing over 3,500 members of staff. His new development plan with GDK involves the creation of 30 restaurants across the South of England, with 10 of those units to be delivered before 2023.

“I am incredibly proud of what I have achieved in the last 20 years, but it was time to move on and I am ready for my next challenge delving into the future of fast-casual dining with German Doner Kebab,” said Atul.

He is a strong believer in the GDK brand and admits it is the fast-casual of the future.

“It’s hugely exciting to be teaming up with German Doner Kebab. After nearly 20 years with McDonald’s, I decided to sell my business and explore new opportunities that reflected the changes we are seeing amongst Gen Z and millennial consumers,” he said.

“It was a great journey to grow from one restaurant to 43 and be the largest franchisee of McDonald’s in the UK. But, I felt it was time for a new challenge and when the opportunity to partner with German Doner Kebab arose it was a perfect fit for our new ambitions. 

“German Doner Kebab is at the forefront of a new age of fast-casual dining in the UK and is expanding across the nation with a dynamic and responsive consumer offering that places it firmly as the fast-casual brand of the future.

“It is an exciting time to be a part of the brand story and I look forward to playing a key role in strengthening German Doner Kebab’s position as the UK’s fastest-growing restaurant chain.”

The brand has managed to open 39 restaurants across the UK in 2022, a number which should rise to 78 before the year closes out.

“The arrival of Atul Pathak is a significant moment for German Doner Kebab as we build the fast-casual brand of the future. He is an established and prominent franchisee who has experience in growing and developing a brand portfolio in the UK,” said Imran Sayeed, CEO of German Doner Kebab.

“Atul’s experience in drive-thru will also be invaluable as we explore more and develop new formats and concepts for the brand.

“It’s exciting times at German Doner Kebab as we take our growth plans to a new level and we are very much looking forward to working with Atul to take forward his development plans and bring the German Doner Kebab experience to more consumers throughout the country.”