GDK (German Doner Kebab)

Name: Tom Poulton

Role: Head of Property & Development

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Who are GDK?

GDK are the worlds leading Doner Kebab operator, with close to 150 restaurants in the UK and multiple restaurants across Europe, The UAE, USA and Canada

How many locations do GDK have?

GDK have 147 Restaurants trading in the UK.

Target locations?

We have a nationwide requirement but a focus on the following:

Bristol, Cambridge, Oxford, Manchester Picadilly, Swindon, Windsor, Halesowen, Castle Bromwich

How many new locations are you targeting?

We are looking to grow by in the region of 25/30 new restaurant openings per year.

Size requirements?

Ideally, 600/1500 sqft depending on store format

Additional requirements?

High visibility and prominence, ideally attracting footfall across all day parts, potential for an extraction route out of the property, city centres, retail parks, shopping centres, transport hubs.

Planning consent?

Class E

Freehold or Leasehold?

Will consider both

Do you pay intro fees?

Yes

Recent openings or new locations in the pipeline?

Recently opened, in Bluewater, Victoria, Peterborough & Cambridge Services, Cumbernauld

Additional Questions:

‍What are the main challenges you face when acquiring new property?

Locating an opportunity in the right part of town, that offers the right floor areas, and has potential for extraction. Often, routing an extraction duct out of a multi floor, multi occupancy building can be a headache !!

Favourite occupier and why?

McDonalds, always moving with the times, innovating, and focus on what they do best !

What is your favourite building?

Westminster Abbey

Favourite retail or leisure destination?

Westfields ! every brand, both retail and QSR all in one place !