Turkish street food

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In this article you will learn

• How a traditional Turkish speciality became a European street food concept.
• What food truck, mini shop and restaurant formats are available.
• How much capital is needed to join the GOKOREC network.
• What training and business assistance the franchisor provides.
• Which responsibilities franchise partners must manage.

GOKOREC is a Turkish street food brand specialising in kokoreç, a traditional Turkish dish made from seasoned lamb intestines and typically served in a sandwich. The company also offers charcoal-grilled kebabs, köfte prepared according to a traditional recipe and stuffed mussels known as midye dolma. Its concept combines regional Turkish culinary traditions with a modern approach to fast-casual dining.

Founded in 2019, GOKOREC began its development in Varna, Bulgaria. The company describes itself as Europe's first officially licensed kokoreç producer, highlighting its focus on food safety, production standards and compliance with European regulations. This positioning is an important part of its franchise proposition, as the brand aims to introduce a relatively unfamiliar Turkish street food speciality to new markets.

One of GOKOREC's main advantages is the flexibility of its business formats. The company offers three franchise options: a mobile food truck, a compact mini shop and a full-service restaurant. The mobile format is designed for events, busy public areas and locations with high customer traffic, allowing franchisees to operate without investing in a traditional restaurant premises.

According to the company's website, GOKOREC has more than 15 locations across Europe. Its headquarters and flagship restaurant are in Varna, Bulgaria, while its website also lists three branches in London: Edmonton, Enfield and Tottenham. The brand is seeking to develop its franchise network in additional European markets.

Investment and franchise requirements

Entrepreneurs interested in joining GOKOREC must submit an application through the company's franchise website. The process includes an initial assessment of the candidate, a meeting to discuss the proposed partnership, the signing of a franchise agreement and participation in a training programme before the business opens. Applicants are asked to provide information about their preferred location, country and available investment budget.

The financial commitment depends on the selected format. According to the official franchise offer, opening a GOKOREC food truck requires an estimated investment of €30,000–€50,000. A mini shop requires between €50,000 and €80,000, while a full-service restaurant involves an investment of approximately €100,000–€150,000. These figures are published by the franchisor; prospective investors should confirm precisely which equipment, vehicle, fit-out, working capital and other opening expenses are included.

The company does not currently publish a detailed schedule of ongoing royalty payments, marketing contributions or other recurring franchise fees on its official website. Its older franchise brochure referred to a period when no franchise or royalty fees were charged, but this historical offer should not be treated as confirmation of the current contractual terms. Candidates should request a complete breakdown of all fees directly from the franchisor before signing an agreement.

GOKOREC highlights several forms of assistance available to franchise partners. These include initial training, marketing and branding support, supply chain management, exclusive territorial rights and ongoing operational guidance. The company also describes a structured process intended to guide investors from their first application through to the opening of their business.

Franchisee responsibilities and expansion plans

GOKOREC franchisees are responsible for managing their individual businesses, maintaining product quality and ensuring that customers receive a consistent brand experience. Their work includes organising daily operations, managing staff, monitoring stock and supplies, maintaining hygiene standards and developing local sales. In the food truck format, franchisees must also manage the vehicle's operations, identify suitable trading locations and organise participation in events and other commercial opportunities.

The franchisor's centralised supply chain and product standards are intended to help maintain consistency across the network. This is particularly important for a concept built around a specialised product that requires appropriate preparation, storage and handling. Franchisees must also comply with local food safety requirements and all regulations governing mobile catering or restaurant operations in their respective markets.

GOKOREC presents itself as a growing European brand and states that it intends to expand its franchise network in a controlled manner. Its website promotes opportunities for investors interested in bringing Turkish street food to new cities and territories. However, the company has not published a detailed, dated expansion target or a confirmed list of upcoming international openings.

With its focus on an unusual regional speciality, several business formats and an investment option designed specifically for mobile catering, GOKOREC offers an alternative to more conventional fast-food franchises. Its future development will depend on its ability to introduce kokoreç to new customers, establish reliable franchise partnerships and maintain consistent operating standards across different European markets.

Main conclusions

• 2019 – the year GOKOREC was founded.
• 3 business formats – food truck, mini shop and full-service restaurant.
• €30,000–€50,000 – estimated investment in a food truck.
• €50,000–€80,000 – estimated investment in a mini shop.
• €100,000–€150,000 – estimated investment in a restaurant.
• 15+ locations – the company's declared European network size.

Author

Agnieszka Bąbik

Journalist