The Glasgow firm behind German Doner Kebab has appointed a senior executive from Taco Bell to lead its franchise recruitment strategy across Europe.
Chris Palmer joins Hero Brands as franchise director after a 20-month spell as senior development manager for Europe with Taco Bell owner Yum Brands.
He will aim to develop and grow brand partnerships across the continent for a company with 700 franchises already signed-up to the German Doner Kebab project worldwide. Hero also recently announced plans to launch salad franchise Choppaluna, a rebranding of German chain Salaid.
Choppaluna will open its first UK store in London next month and has 12 franchises signed up with another 60 ready to go.
Hero Brands global franchise director Jon Cullen said: “Our fast-casual brands will be the stars of tomorrow, responding to the needs of Generation Z who are demanding better, healthier food in nicer places but still at a great price.
“Chris joins us as we embark on significant growth and his experience will be crucial in developing new multi-site partnerships which will expand the reach of our brand portfolio.”
Cullen has over 15 years’ experience in franchising, having overseen the opening of 50 Taco Bell restaurants in the UK and Europe in 18 months and having being part of the management team that transformed loss-making Harry Ramsden’s.
He said: “It’s very exciting to be joining Hero Brands as it forges ahead with plans to truly disrupt the fast-casual space.
“We are building amazing brands of the future and I am looking forward to moving at pace with our multi-franchise partners to bring the brands to even more consumers throughout the region.”
Glasgow businessman Athif Sarwar set up Hero Brands after discovering German Doner Kebab on holiday in Dubai. He bought the rights to franchise it first in Britain, then around the world, though so far only two branches have opened in Scotland.
