Hyderabad: German Doner Kebab India entered the country with its first outlet at Film Nagar in Jubilee Hills, setting the stage for a planned nationwide expansion.
Telangana Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar inaugurated the restaurant at Tollywood Lane on Tuesday. He welcomed the international quick-service restaurant brand to Telangana.
Ponnam said Hyderabad had emerged as a preferred destination for international brands. He also stressed the importance of maintaining quality, taste and hygiene in the food sector.
The Hyderabad restaurant marked GDK’s first step into the Indian market. Meanwhile, the company outlined plans to expand through both company-owned and franchise outlets.
German Doner Kebab India targets 450-plus outlets
German Doner Kebab India planned to enter Mohali and Chandigarh as part of its expansion strategy. The company also targeted other Tier-I and Tier-II cities. In the longer term, GDK India aimed to establish more than 450 outlets across the country.
The company launched its Indian operations in partnership with GBC India. It expected the Hyderabad outlet to serve as the starting point for its wider national expansion. Vikrant Tomer, CEO of GDK India, said the company wanted to develop the doner category in the country rather than merely establish another restaurant chain.
German Doner Kebab India builds youth connect
GDK originated in Berlin and later established its headquarters in the United Kingdom. The brand had expanded into several international markets before entering India. Its existing markets included the UK, US, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Sweden and Ireland.
The restaurant chain specialised in flame-grilled doner prepared with fresh ingredients. Its offerings also featured signature sauces and toasted waffle bread.
Additionally, GDK India appointed musician, actor and filmmaker Parmish Verma as its Cultural Partner. The company aimed to use the association to strengthen its connection with younger consumers.
The Hyderabad outlet was expected to function as the launchpad for the brand’s planned expansion across India.