The quick service restaurant brand, which has over 170 outlets globally, shared the plans ahead of the launch of its first Irish restaurant in Liffey Valley Shopping Centre. The brand will open in the Dublin destination at the end of November, creating 30 jobs.
Simon Wallis, CEO of German Doner Kebab, said the brand found the strength of the Irish economy particularly attractive. He said GDK was already looking at other locations nationally, including Dundrum, Blanchardstown, Tallaght and Galway.
“You can certainly see there is a Republic of Ireland focus towards that development at the moment,” he said.
“As demonstrated by Liffey Valley, where we will be looking is really important. We want to get the brand in front of as many people as quickly as possible.
“Now, of course, one way of doing that is marketing investment and great campaigns that ensure the brand is brought to life in front of our target audiences and are impactful. But the other key one is the right locations.”
Simon Wallis, CEO of German Doner Kebab, said the brand found the strength of the Irish economy particularly attractive
Today’s News in 90 Seconds – October 5th
The Strava Group, fronted by experienced fast-food operator Rickey Sharma, operates the master franchise and will lead the GDK growth strategy in Ireland for up to 30 new stores by 2035.
The plan potentially includes a further five new stores and 150 roles across Ireland within the next year.
GDK’s plans for Ireland mean it is part of a wave of international restaurants targeting the market here. New fast-food chains are piling in, including Slim Chickens, Wendy’s, Popeyes and Taco Bell.
Wallis described competition in Ireland as “buoyant and exciting”.
“You are starting to see those newer, less mature brands starting to emerge,” he said. “We find that exciting. We are part of the new breed as opposed to the old set.
“The other thing we have to recognise with our kind of brand and product, is that there is also an independent sector. That is an opportunity.
“We have an unrivalled commitment to operational excellence and product quality that ensures our product and brand will stand up under intense scrutiny from customers against a sector that has perhaps not been the bastion or guardian of great hospitality previously.”