Döner Shack, the Berlin street-food concept, is celebrating after being named as the number one fast-casual franchise in the UK.
As its debut, the business has been ranked in the prestigious Elite Franchise Top 100 (EF100) from hundreds of entries across every sector.
It is a title the brand can proudly hold throughout 2023, having competed alongside huge fast-food brands like Subway and Papa John’s.
The EF100, established in 2017 in association with HSBC, is the franchising list to watch. It recognises the sector’s brightest businesses and ranks them according to a broad range of criteria; from their financial performance and heritage to their contribution to the community and the way they embrace innovation.
Co-Founders Sanjeev Sanghera and Laura Bruce (pictured) are proud that Döner Shack has gained the recognition it deserves despite a difficult and ever-changing economic climate.
Sanjeev shared, “We’re incredibly proud to have been recognised as the number one fast-casual franchise in the UK, particularly as we are new entrants to the table.
'Thanks to our robust operational systems, authentic recipes, innovative and targeted marketing strategies, strong financial model and a long-term growth strategy, we have continued to develop and support our brand.
“As a brand, we have always embraced technology and innovation to enable us to deliver a flawless, convenient, and enjoyable experience to our customers, and ensure our franchise owners can build their own highly successful and profitable businesses,' Sanjeev continued.
“The EF100 recognises quality and outstanding service – both things that resonate heavily in our ethos and sit at the heart of everything we do.
'We pride ourselves on being a business that is not only raising the standards of the fast-casual industry but reshaping it by offering unique solutions to differentiate ourselves and streamline our business to ensure it meets modern-day consumer demands and expectations.
'This recognition in the industry is a very welcome boost for the year ahead, especially as we are still only at the beginning of our growth,' closed Sanjeev.
“We feel that Döner Shack has truly earned their place in the Elite Franchise Top 100 list,” noted Scott English, Brand Director of Elite Franchise.
“This definitive Top 100 ranking exemplifies the very best of franchisors in the UK. Each year, the ranking becomes more competitive, and this year has been no exception for our panel of industry-leading judges.”
“During judging, we take into account entrants’ sales and growth figures as well as the training and support systems in place for their network of franchisees.
'This year, brands were also judged on any measures they initiated to survive the damaging after-effects of the pandemic, along with how they would continue to grow their brand during the current financial crisis.'
Scott concluded, 'Securing a place in the top 100 is a testament to all that Döner Shack has achieved over the past year,” added Anita Roberts, Franchise Director at HSBC UK.
The franchise industry contributes over £17bn to the UK economy, and more than 700,000 people are employed in franchising across the country.
