German Doner Kebab transforming empty St Helens unit

German Doner Kebab is set to open in the former Frankie and Benny's premises at the West Point complex, off Chalon Way West.

Work is currently ongoing to convert the retail park off Liverpool Road, St Helens.

Signage is on show which reads: "German Doner Kebab, St Helens. Coming soon."

The former Frankie & Benny's premises is being transformed

Planning permission for new signage at the venue, which closed during the pandemic, was requested earlier this year by Gastronomy Foods UK for a German Doner Kebab restaurant and a Planet Doughnut.

St Helens Council planners have approved the application for the unit.

It will stand alongside Costa Coffee, Aldi supermarket, Home Bargains and Superbowl on the leisure complex.

The German Doner Kebab premises will be a welcome addition to the town's food and drink scene, which suffered a blow with the recent closure of The Dean restaurant on Barrow Street.

The chain was founded in Germany in 1989 but was launched in the UK in 2016 by United Brands under a franchise model.

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In March this year it was reported German Doner Kebab had appointed Sofia Dimen as its new managing director for the UK to help build on its “ambitious” growth plans. 

In February it was reported German Doner Kebab planned to open 78 new restaurants this year in a dramatic expansion which will create almost 3,000 jobs.

The kebab chain said it will grow to 170 restaurants across the UK this year as it continues to shrug off the challenging environment currently facing the casual dining sector.

It comes after the fast-casual chain opened 39 restaurants last year despite pandemic disruption.

The upcoming German Doner Kebab restaurant at West Point

Last year, the group reported a 75% jump in total sales as it was buoyed by trade from new sites.

The Glasgow-based business currently employs around 3,500 over the UK and plans to add another 2,900 workers this year.

The chain also highlighted a development pipeline of 350 sites it hopes to open over the next seven years.

It also operates over 80 restaurants elsewhere across the world, with the firm also planning a further 11 North American openings in 2022 as well as its first site in Saudi Arabia.