United Kingdom
GDK's first store in the United Kingdom, was opened on 6 July 2015, on Bull Street in Birmingham, England.[18][19]
In May 2019, it was estimated that the chain served £1 million worth of kebabs in its restaurants in the UK every week. GDK also announced their plan to open a new restaurant every two weeks for the remainder of 2019 as part of a "relentless UK growth" plan.[20][21][22]
In September 2019, GDK's Fulham Broadway site was classed as London's number one place to eat on Tripadvisor.[23][24]
In October 2020, it had 47 restaurants, with hopes by the company to open a further 12 by the end of 2020.[25] In December 2020, its Peterborough new restaurant marked its 50th UK restaurant.[26]
In February 2021, the chain announced its plan to open 47 restaurants by the end of 2021 in the UK.[27][28] It opened 39 new restaurants in the UK in 2021, adding to their pre-existing 52 restaurants at the start of 2021.[29][30]
In February 2022, the company announced its plan to open 78 more restaurants in the UK in 2022, bringing their total to 170 restaurants in the UK. Adding 2,900 workers to their 3,500 workforce at the time in the UK.[29][31][32][33][34]
The chain opened their 100th UK restaurant at their Covent Garden, London site on 10 May 2022.[35][36]
In June 2022, Atul Pathak, former owner of the largest McDonald's franchise in the UK of 43 restaurants, announced a partnership with GDK, with 30 planned sites to be set up in the UK as part of the deal.[37][38]
In January 2025, German Doner Kebab (GDK) opened its first London train station location at Victoria Station, marking its 144th UK outlet and 55th in the capital.[39][40]
In March 2025, German Doner Kebab (GDK) opened its first Cambridge location at the Cambridge Services on the A14 at Junction 24.[41][42]
In May 2025, German Doner Kebab (GDK) opened its first Norwich location at 43 St Stephens Street,[43][44] and a new restaurant in Kent at Bluewater Shopping Centre.[45]
Middle East
In 2016, the chain had a location in Doha, Qatar.[46]
In 2018, the chain had 13 sites in the United Arab Emirates, with plans to expand to 55 units in 2020 announced at the time.[47]
In April 2019, the chain signed a new franchise deal to expand in Saudi Arabia. An agreement with Ajlan Bin Ajlan Group would lead to the potential development of 100 restaurants in Saudi Arabia over ten years.[48]
In 2021, the chain teamed with Emirati social media influencers to promote its product "Boss Box" in the UAE.[49]
Sweden
The chain arrived in Sweden in 2014.[50]
In July 2019, GDK announced their plains to add four more restaurants in Sweden during mid-2019, adding to their pre-existing five.[50]
Proposals in Ireland
In 2019, the chain announced plans to open a restaurant in Dublin, Ireland,[51] with 40 total sites in Ireland planned from 2020.[6][52][53]
As of 2024, no locations are stated to be present in the Republic of Ireland.[4]
Canada
GDK opened two restaurants in Canada in 2020, in Ottawa and Surrey.[54]
In March 2021, GDK announced their ambitions to open 100 restaurants in Canada over 10 years. The company said they are seeking multi-unit franchise partners in Calgary, Montreal and more locations in Ottawa.[55][56]
Its flagship location in Canada opened in Toronto on 3 August 2021.[54][57]
United States
In May 2020, the company announced their plans to open 350 restaurants in the United States, with their first to be in New Jersey.[58][59] As of October 2023, the company has since opened nine restaurants within the US.[60]
GDK opened their first US restaurant at American Dream in New Jersey in October 2021.[61][62]
In January 2025, German Doner Kebab (GDK) launched its first U.S. advertising campaign titled "Open Your Mouth Mind." The campaign, created by agency Quality Meats, uses quirky visuals and humor to introduce American audiences to GDK’s modern take on the traditional kebab.[63]
