German Doner Kebab has announced the appointment of Mark Treptow as its franchise director for the U.S.A. and Canada to support the brand’s ambitious growth plans in North America.
Treptow was previously the senior director of development for Fransmart, where he led expansion efforts for brands such as Five Guys Burgers, Qdoba, Freshii and more. He has over 25 years of experience in franchise development and financial services and has helped manage and develop many high-street brands and startups.
“I am excited to be joining German Doner Kebab and stepping into the role of franchise director”, said Treptow.
“GDK has secured its position as one of the fastest-growing brands in the U.K., opening 39 new restaurants in 2021 and with plans to open a further 78 restaurants this year, it’s a huge achievement.
“I am looking forward to developing GDK’s legacy in the U.S.A. and Canada, establishing strong partnerships with franchisees in key U.S. states and Canadian provinces, and bringing our exciting offering to the Gen Z and millennial audience.”
He will work alongside Jon Cullen, global chief development officer and Nigel Belton, who is the managing director for GDK U.S.A.
The brand opened its first American location at the American Dream mall in New Jersey in August 2021, and is planning to open in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, New Jersey, Houston and Dallas, along with Canada. The brand earlier announced plans to open 100 new units in Canada over the next decade.
“Mark brings an array of expertise and talent to our leadership team and we are thrilled to welcome him into the GDK family as we look to build our brand across the U.S. and Canada,” said Belton.
“We have big plans for the U.S.A. and Canada, and we are excited about embarking on the next phase of growth in 2022. I fully expect Mark to be influential in helping us develop the GDK brand.
“Throughout his career, he has helmed successful master franchise agreements on a domestic and international scale and has formed strong contacts across key regions and we are looking forward to having him establish German Doner Kebab as a game-changing brand across the U.S.A. and Canada.”
