Zen Doner

About Zen Doner

Zen Döner was founded in France by Dr Turhan Guldas, a dentist by trade, and opened its debut site last year at 26 Rue Massena in Nice in 2025. The concept has been designed to roll out at scale, and the company is looking to expand overseas as well as grow further in its native France. Zen Döner was among the exhibitors at the British & International Franchise Exhibition at London Olympia, seeking potential franchisees ahead of planned expansion here.

A Zen Döner spokesman said: “We were proud to take Zen Döner to the UK, connecting with international investors, franchise partners and industry leaders. Meaningful conversations, strong interest and a clear signal that smart, system-driven food concepts resonate globally. Developed in France, our model is built on operational efficiency, standardisation, and smart processes that reduce complexity while ensuring consistent quality. From kitchen workflow to service speed, every detail is designed to work as part of a controlled and scalable structure.

“As we engage with international markets, we present not only a brand, but a fully structured operating model ready for global environments. Zen Döner offers a unique experience that combines the classic taste of döner kebab with modern flavours and impressive presentation. Our founder has re-interpreted the traditional döner kebab recipes with an innovative touch without deviating from the original. All of our products are made from the highest quality, halal-certified meats and fresh ingredients, and we aim to grow not only in France, but also internationally.

“Our mission is to re-define döner kebab not only as a quick meal option, but also as a nutritious, high-quality and satisfying experience. As Zen Döner, we aim to become a leading brand that represents the traditional döner kebab flavour with a modern perspective.”

Why franchise with Zen Doner

• ✓A Zen Doner franchise offers a high profitability-focussed model, with low staffing requirements, a robotic slicing and ordering system, a controlled cost structure, fast service and high turnover. It offers live bread production in front of customers, six to seven varieties of fresh salads, five to six varieties of daily vegetables, oil-free cooking and signature sauces. There is no need for a professional doner master and staff can operate the system within three days. There are digital ordering screens and no cash handling.
• ✓Formats include street stores, shopping malls and food courts and mobile units. After the franchise agreement is signed, a comprehensive training program begins for both the investor and staff. This program covers product preparation and service standards, self-service kiosk operations, kitchen management and hygiene standards, as well as customer experience training.
• ✓Zen Döner central team manages the architectural design, decoration, and equipment planning in accordance with the selected location. All branches are prepared based on the brand’s modern, minimal, and zen-inspired design language. Zen Döner team continuously monitors business performance and provides ongoing support through grand opening campaigns, digital marketing support, operational audits, and detailed sales and performance reporting.
• ✓Zen Döner franchise partners participate in regularly updated training programs to ensure long-term success within the system. Continuous development support is provided through new product launches, menu updates, and digital process improvements.
• ✓A company spokesman said: “Zen Doner, with its original concept, high profitability potential and controllable structure, is an investment specifically designed for franchising. It is a concept designed to deliver the same quality and brand experience across different scales and different locations, without being limited to a single location or venue type. This is not a restaurant; it is a replicable system.”