GDK launched its first UK site a decade ago and has expanded at pace by way of a franchise model into major city centre high streets as well as shopping centres and travel hubs.
On Boar Lane, the opening will bring the brand up to a total of three sites in Leeds, joining locations in Leeds Cardigan Fields and the White Rose Centre.
“Reaching 150 restaurants is an incredible milestone for German Doner Kebab, and it’s only been possible thanks to the dedication of our hard-working team and the commitment of our franchise partners across the UK,” says GDK chief executive Simon Wallis.
“A special mention goes to Strava Group, which is opening this landmark site. Leeds Boar Lane marks another exciting step in our journey, and we’re looking forward to building on this momentum together.”
There are no GDK restaurants in Germany, but as the name suggests the brand is inspired by the country’s kebab culture.
High levels of Turkish and Kurdish immigration from the 1960s onwards have seen kebabs become a street food staple that – unlike in the UK – is enjoyed in the daytime as well as late at night.
Inspired by Berlin’s booming kebab scene in particular, Farshad Abbaszadeh launched a restaurant called Doner Kebab in Dubai in 2013.
Soon after, Hero Brands founder Athif Sarwar bought the international rights to the brand, with the first UK GDK site opening in Birmingham in 2015.
The UK is now considered the home market for the brand, but there are also GDK restaurants in Sweden, Canada, Saudi Arabia and the US.
Earlier this year, GDK chose London Victoria station for its first train station site.