The award-winning better kebab brand backed by Think Hospitality, has signed a multi-site franchise deal to take the brand to Merseyside and the Isle of Man.

The partnership with Optimum Group will see the first UK franchise opening for I am Döner this summer in Liverpool. The deal was facilitated by Seeds Consulting and follows on from I am Döner making its international debut in Dubai.

Dave Connor, chief executive of Optimum Group, said: “Having researched the premium kebab sector extensively for a number of years, we are pleased to have selected to partner with I am Döner. The brand is strong, systemised and led by an experienced management team. The menu and food really is the stand out feature, simply the best döner we have tasted. We just had to bring this brand to the north west of England. This new addition will be a great fit in our brand portfolio of coffee shops and dessert businesses. We will be opening two I am Döner outlets within the first year and at least ten within five years. We are proud to be the first UK franchise partner.”

I am Döner chairman James Hacon said: “We are excited to start our UK roll out with the team at Optimum Group, which has both the experience and vision to make this a massive success. This is the culmination of three years hard work from the I am Döner team where we have strengthened leadership and focused on taking a fantastic concept and making it run like a systemised well-oiled machine.”

Seeds Consulting founder Matteo Frigeri said: “We are delighted to be retained by I am Döner to assist with its ongoing UK and international expansion plans. A strong USP, a moderate upfront investment and industry-leading Ebitda margins make I am Döner the perfect food franchise not only for experienced groups like Optimum, but also other traditional and nontraditional hospitality operators in our network.”