German Doner Kebab opens first Irish store at Liffey Valley in November 2025, with plans for 30 locations and 1,000 jobs nationwide by 2035.
German Doner Kebab (GDK), the fast-growing quick service restaurant brand, has announced plans to open its first Irish outlet at Liffey Valley Shopping Centre in late November.
The Liffey Valley location will create 30 new jobs, with up to five additional stores and 150 roles expected across Ireland within the next year. Over the next decade, GDK aims to establish up to 30 restaurants nationwide, generating approximately 1,000 jobs.
“German Doner Kebab is rewriting the rules of the kebab experience worldwide, and Ireland is the next chapter in that story”
The move marks the company’s entry into the Irish market after 36 years of global operations.
It also marks the latest of an influx of overseas fast-food restaurants opening in Ireland recently including Taco Bell, Wendys and WingStop.
Appetite for disruption
Simon Wallis, CEO of German Doner Kebab, said the company’s ambition is to become a dominant force in the kebab category across Ireland.
“We value working with franchise partners who share and believe in our purpose to elevate the kebab experience,” Wallis said. “The Strava Group is already a successful partner in England and Scotland, with a deep understanding of the business operations. We look forward to continuing to work closely with them to fulfil the potential of the brand in Ireland.”
The expansion is being led by the Strava Group, headed by Rickey Sharma who also manages GDK franchises in England and Scotland.
Sharma said the Irish market presents significant opportunity. “German Doner Kebab is rewriting the rules of the kebab experience worldwide, and Ireland is the next chapter in that story. We see tremendous potential in introducing our fresh, premium, and innovative approach to the Irish market, and we’re confident it will resonate with a new generation of customers.”
Feeding Gen Z
GDK’s brand is built around a Gen-Z audience, with strong ties to music, sport, and popular culture. Its menu features fresh-to-order kebabs made with lean meats, toasted waffle bread, and signature sauces, catering to health-conscious and convenience-driven consumers.
Founded in Glasgow, GDK has grown to over 170 restaurants across the UK, Sweden, North America, and the Middle East. The brand is backed by True and Hero Brands and is currently expanding in the USA, Canada, Saudi Arabia, and now Ireland.
The Liffey Valley restaurant will feature GDK’s signature urban design and offer dine-in, takeaway, and delivery services.
Top image: Simon Wallis, CEO of German Doner Kebab
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