A query concerning the current state of Podolski's eatery establishment in Berlin.
In a continuation of their ambitious growth strategy, Mangal Doener x Lukas Podolski, the popular Döner chain, has signed a contract with Kaufland for a joint location in Berlin, scheduled to open in 2025/26. This development, however, does not necessarily signal a collaboration between Mangal Doener and Kaufland for multiple Berlin openings, as previously speculated.
Contrary to earlier reports, the Berlin branch announced by Mangal Doener was initially a temporary pop-up store, not a permanent location. There is currently no evidence to suggest that Poldi-Doener, another brand associated with Lukas Podolski, has specific plans to open branches in Berlin in 2025/26 in partnership with Kaufland.
Despite the initial setbacks, Mangal Doener x Lukas Podolski has found a new partner in Berlin with extensive experience in gastronomy and franchising. The focus for the planned three Doener businesses is now on strongly frequented, central locations and suitable structural conditions.
Interestingly, Spandau is no longer mentioned as a location for the planned branches. Instead, the operators of Poldi-Doener have indicated on Instagram that further locations in Berlin are in the works.
Another Poldi-Doener snack bar was planned in Mitte near Potsdamer Platz, and a third store was to be opened in traffic gastronomy, such as at the airport or station, by the end of 2025. However, as of now, no Poldi-Doener branches have been found in Berlin.
The closure of the Poldi-Doener by Lukas Podolski in Kreuzberg, Berlin, in November 2024, has not deterred the company's expansion plans. After a "successful test phase with the pop-up store", the focus is now on the careful preparation of upcoming openings at fixed locations in the capital.
The new partnership with Kaufland provides the organizational basis for sustainable and scalable growth in Berlin. The company aims to expand overseas, with the USA being a potential market.
Almost nine months after the initial announcement, the plans to establish a foothold in Berlin are still in progress. Berlin continues to play a central role in the future location strategy of Mangal Doener x LP10. Further locations in Berlin are already under concrete review.
Mangal Doener x Lukas Podolski currently operates almost 50 branches in Germany, one each in Poland and the Netherlands. The company's Berlin expansion plans, though delayed, remain a significant part of their growth strategy.
The new partnership with Kaufland allows Mangal Doener x Lukas Podolski to use financing for their sustainable and scalable growth in Berlin, focusing on lifestyle businesses such as food-and-drink locations. Furthermore, the company's Berlin expansion plans, albeit delayed, remain a key part of their business strategy, with a focus on central and well-frequented locations.
