German Doner Kebab is set to make a big splash in India next year, with plans to open its first restaurant in the country and target a global sales figure of $1.3 billion. CEO Simon Wallis revealed that India is a key part of their growth strategy, citing the nation's thriving economy, rising middle class, and increasing protein consumption as key factors. The kebab chain, backed by private equity firm True, aims to expand its network to nearly 900 outlets worldwide, up from over 170 currently. This expansion comes as a response to the success of global brands like Little Caesars and Papa John's International, who are also stepping up their presence in India. Despite slower sales for KFC and Pizza Hut due to consumer cutbacks, Wallis believes that "newer, more disruptive brands" will emerge to fill the gap. GDK's first Indian restaurant is set to open in early 2026, and they will be skipping beef in favor of lamb to cater to local preferences. While Wallis' predecessor, Imran Sayeed, had ambitious plans for an NYSE listing, the current focus is on hitting the $1 billion sales milestone. GDK expects sales to rise to over $183 million this year, up from $161 million in 2024.
