U.K.'s Largest McDonald's Franchisee Sells All His Stores, Partners with German Doner Kebab

Atul Pathak, OBE, has sold his portfolio of 43 McDonald’s restaurants and announced a new partnership with German Doner Kebab. Formerly the UK’s largest McDonald’s franchisee, his restaurants employed more than 3,500 staff.

“It was a great journey to grow from one restaurant to 43 and be the largest franchisee of McDonald’s in the U.K.,” he said. “I am incredibly proud of what I have achieved in the last 20 years, but it was time to move on, and I am ready for my next challenge: delving into the future of fast-casual dining with German Doner Kebab.”

The partnership with Pathak comes as German Doner Kebab – owned by the private Swiss international consumer food manufacturer and marketing company Hero Group – opens its 100th U.K. restaurant.

“I decided to sell my business and explore new opportunities that reflected the changes we are seeing among Gen Z and Millennial consumers,” Pathak explained. “I felt it was time for a new challenge, and when the opportunity to partner with German Doner Kebab arose it was a perfect fit for our new ambitions. When the opportunity to partner with German Doner Kebab arose, it was a perfect fit for our new ambitions.”

“The arrival of Atul Pathak is a significant moment  for German Doner Kebab as we build the fast-casual brand of the future,” said Imran Sayeed, CEO of German Doner Kebab. “He is an established and prominent franchisee who has experience in growing and developing a brand portfolio in the U.K.”