A popular Berlin inspired kebab chain called Doner Shack has submitted plans to turn a vacant shop at 50 Gordon Street in Glasgow city centre into a new restaurant. The move comes as part of the brands push to expand in Scotland, with the site near Central Station set to bring fresh kebabs and more to busy commuters and locals soon.
Doner Shack’s Berlin Inspired Beginnings
Doner Shack started its journey back in 2018 after a quick trip to Berlin sparked the idea for flavour packed kebabs. The founders wanted to capture that street food vibe and bring it to places like the UK, focusing on fresh ingredients and bold tastes. Over the years, the chain has grown from a simple concept to a go to spot for doner lovers, with locations popping up across cities.
What sets Doner Shack apart is its commitment to quality meat and sauces that nod to Berlin style cooking. People often rave about the tender chicken and loaded fries that make up their meals. This expansion in Glasgow feels like a natural step, given the citys love for diverse eats.
The brand has built a loyal following by mixing fast casual service with premium touches. Early spots in places like Leeds and Manchester showed strong sales, and now Scotland is getting more love.
Growing Footprint in Glasgow
Glasgow has already welcomed Doner Shack with open arms since their first spot opened in Silverburn Shopping Centre back in 2022. That location quickly became a hit, drawing crowds for late night bites and family meals. Sales there hit record numbers early on, proving the demand for this kind of food in the area.
In April 2025, the chain announced a big franchise deal with local entrepreneur Abrar Khaliq for three new sites in Glasgow. This move highlights how the brand sees huge potential in the citys vibrant food scene. Khaliq, a Glasgow native, brings local knowledge that could help tailor the spots to what residents crave.
Fans on social media have shared excitement about the growth, with posts praising the existing outlets quality. This expansion ties into broader trends where quick service restaurants are thriving amid busy urban lives.
Details of the Gordon Street Site
The proposed restaurant at 50 Gordon Street sits in a B listed building that used to house a skincare shop called sk:n. That unit has sat empty since last year, and now Doner Shack wants to breathe new life into it with a commercial kitchen setup. Plans include adding an extract duct for proper ventilation to handle the cooking smells and heat.
Glasgow City Council received the application recently, and it focuses on minor alterations to fit the restaurant needs.1
Local planners will review the request soon, and if approved, work could start right away. The chain has teased the opening on their website, building hype among kebab fans. This fits with recent efforts to fill vacant units and boost foot traffic in Glasgows core areas.
Teased Opening on Byres Road
Adding to the excitement, Doner Shack has hinted at another spot on Byres Road in the West End at 223 Byres Road.2 This location, marked as coming soon on their site, would take over a former Gyros unit and bring more options to the trendy street known for its mix of eateries. Byres Road already buzzes with students and young professionals, making it a smart choice for the chain.
No formal planning details have surfaced yet for this site, but the tease suggests its part of the same franchise push. Imagine grabbing a doner wrap after a night out or shopping there, it could become a new favourite hangout. Community chatter online shows people are eager for more variety in West End fast food.
This dual expansion shows Doner Shacks confidence in Glasgows market, potentially creating jobs and drawing in tourists too.
What to Expect on the Menu
Doner Shack keeps things simple yet delicious, with a focus on core items that pack a punch. Their menu draws from Berlin traditions but adds twists for modern tastes. Heres a quick look at some standout offerings:
- Classic Doner Kebab: Tender meat slices in fresh flatbread with salads and signature sauces.
- Chicken Tenders: Crispy fried pieces served with dips or in wraps for a lighter option.
- Loaded Fries: Topped with cheese, meat, and Shack sauce for that ultimate comfort snack.
- Shawarma Plates: Spiced meats with rice or chips, perfect for a full meal.
- Gulab Jamun Sundae: A sweet finish blending Indian dessert with creamy ice cream.
These items use high quality ingredients, and the chain emphasizes direct ordering to keep prices fair. Portions are generous, which helps explain their popularity in existing spots.
Glasgows Evolving Food Landscape
Glasgow’s food scene keeps getting better, with chains like Doner Shack adding to the mix alongside local gems. This year alone has seen other openings, like new ramen spots and burger joints, showing the citys appetite for global flavours. The kebab trend ties into a larger shift where people want quick, tasty, and affordable eats without sacrificing quality.
To see the impact, check out this table of Doner Shacks Glasgow presence:
| Location | Status | Address | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silverburn | Open | Unit R1, G53 6AG | Shopping centre convenience, daily 11am-10pm |
| Gordon Street | Coming Soon | 50 Gordon Street, G1 3PU | City centre, near station, ventilation upgrades |
| Byres Road | Coming Soon | 223 Byres Road, G12 8UD | West End vibe, former Gyros site |
Such developments not only fill empty spaces but also create buzz that benefits nearby businesses. With unemployment in hospitality still a concern post pandemic, these jobs could help many. Overall, Doner Shacks moves signal a bright future for Glasgows diverse dining options.
As Glasgow food lovers, what do you think of these new kebab spots? Share your thoughts in the comments below and spread the word by sharing this article with friends who love a good doner.
