Merseyside Costa franchise business Optimum Group is to create eight jobs at its first I am Döner kebab outlet opening in December. Tony McDonough reports

Optimum Group will create eight new jobs in Bootle when it opens the first of 10 I am Döner kebab outlets.

In July Optimum, which operates 26 Costa Coffee stores across Merseyside, West Lancs and Sale, struck a deal with I am Döner to introduce the brand to Merseyside. I am Döner was started in Yorkshire in 2016 by chef Paul Baron.

It now has three UK outlets in Headingley, Harrogate and Leeds city centre, and one in Dubai. Its agreement with Optimum will see at least 10 new outlets opened over the next five years.

Next week the first outlet, in Stanley Road in Bootle, will open with a capacity for 40 diners. It will also operate a takeaway delivery service seven days a week. It uses 120 ingredients in the eight kebabs and also offers vegetarian, vegan, plant-based and gluten free options.

Optimum chief executive Dave Connor said: “We just knew from the start that we had to bring this brand to Liverpool. I am Döner offers something that is truly different and it’s a concept that we’ve never seen before in the city, so we’re keen to showcase just what it has to offer.

“Although the main USP of I am Döner is a gourmet spin on the traditional kebab that we all know and love, this brand has built a reputation for its ability to constantly evolve and adapt.

“Whether that’s by highlighting product seasonality in its menu, implementing changes in technology to impact its pre-order process, or offering good value for money when people need it most.”