After a successful showcase at Franchise Expo South, Doner Shack is set to relocate its headquarters to Miami, driven by a supportive U.S. franchising community and recurring obstacles in the UK.
- Founders highlight the U.S. as a prime location for growth, contrasting with the operational challenges faced in the UK.
- Membership in the International Franchise Association is expected to bolster Doner Shack’s credibility and networking opportunities.
- The move aims to tap into Florida’s tourism and global customer base potential, leveraging the strategic location for expansion.
- Rising operational costs in the UK and an unfavorable tax regime are noted as significant factors for the relocation.
Doner Shack, a quick service restaurant with roots in Glasgow and branches in Leeds and Manchester, has announced its decision to move its headquarters to Miami. The strategic shift comes after the brand’s participation in Franchise Expo South in Florida, highlighting the promising ecosystem for franchising in the U.S. Founders Sanj Sanghera and Laura Bruce view the relocation as a necessary move given the conducive business environment in the U.S. They emphasize the country’s vibrant franchising community and the potential for brand growth as key incentives.
The founders noted the robust confidence within the U.S. market, especially in the quick service restaurant (QSR) sector, which they describe as one of the most developed worldwide. As Laura Bruce put it, “We’re excited to operate in an environment that offers strong opportunities for growth and success, allowing our business to thrive, as opposed to dealing with constant setbacks we’ve seen in the UK since March 2020.” This sentiment underscores a clear strategic pivot in seeking environments that foster prosperity and expansion.
Being part of the International Franchise Association (IFA) will allow Doner Shack to deepen its integration into the global franchising landscape. This membership is poised to enhance the brand’s stature and connect it with numerous industry leaders and franchise experts. Moreover, the network available through the IFA membership is expected to present substantial prospects for liaising with other franchisee profiles, thereby expanding Doner Shack’s operational reach significantly.
Florida’s unique location is set to serve as a springboard for accessing a wide range of tourists each year and establishing a worldwide customer base. By situating the new headquarters in Miami, Doner Shack aims to establish a strong footing in the U.S. market while also facilitating discovery days for potential investors and partners. This approach allows the exploration of multiple operating Doner Shack franchises, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the brand’s offering.
A pivotal reason for the relocation involves the economic climate in the UK, with rising operational costs and an unfavorable tax regime proving harsh. Sanj Sanghera highlights this by pointing out the high VAT sales tax and the increasing burdens related to employer contributions and business rates. The more supportive U.S. environment stands in contrast, with the founders already sensing a more positive outlook regarding business opportunities in the region.
Relocating to Miami positions Doner Shack favorably for growth amid U.S. market advantages.
