I am Döner signs UK multi-site franchise deal

I am Döner, the kebab group backed by Think Hospitality, has signed a multi-site franchise deal to take the brand to Merseyside and the Isle of Man.

The partnership with Optimum Group, a franchisee of Costa Coffee and Kaspas in Merseyside, was facilitated by Seeds Consulting and will be the first UK franchise for I am Döner, with a site already due to open this summer in Liverpool.

Dave Connor, chief executive of Optimum Group, said; "Having researched the premium kebab sector extensively for a number of years we are pleased to have selected to partner with I am Döner. The brand is strong, systemised and led by an experienced management team. The menu and food really is the stand out feature, simply the best döner we have tasted. We just had to bring this brand to the North West of England.

"This new addition will be a great fit in our brand portfolio of coffee shops and dessert businesses. We will be opening two I am Döner outlets within the first year and at least 10 within five years. We are proud to be the first UK franchise partner."

I am Döner chairman, James Hacon, said: "We are excited to start our UK roll out with the team at Optimum Group, who have both the experience and vision to make this a massive success. This is the culmination of three years of hard work from the I am Döner team where we have strengthened leadership and focused on taking a fantastic concept and making it run like a systemised well-oiled machine."

Seeds Consulting founder Matteo Frigeri added: "We are delighted to be retained by I am Döner to assist with their ongoing UK and international expansion plans. A strong USP, a moderate upfront investment and industry-leading EBITDA margins make I am Döner the perfect food franchise not only for experienced groups like Optimum, but also other traditional and non-traditional hospitality operators in our network."

I am Döner was started in 2016 by chef Paul Baron as a takeaway shop in Headingley, Leeds, inspired by a trip to Berlin. The group has three stores in the UK in Headingley, Harrogate and Leeds City Centre.

Started in 2006, Liverpool-based Optimum Group operates 26 Costa Coffee stores across Merseyside, West Lancashire and Sale; and Kaspas Desserts Restaurants in Liverpool and St Helens.