MEET THE... KEBAB MAN

Craving something fresh and tasty for lunch? Then the Zuidas kebab shop on Mahlerplein is sure to hit the spot. Here you’ll find owner Ufuk Kengec serving up fresh kebabs to the hard-working lunchtime crowd every weekday from eleven to two. We talked to this big-hearted family man who also loves doing business.

What led you to start your own kebab shop?

“I’ve always had my own businesses. Aside from this place I had another restaurant in Amsterdam, but sadly it didn’t survive the Covid restrictions. I’ve had this place in Zuidas from 2013, which makes it ten years now. bought it from an acquaintance. He was struggling to run a business and managed to keep this place afloat to a year and a half. Though it was hard going in that time, I saw a potential market and felt up for the challenge. Six months later, I’d pulled it off. Here I can prepare my meals every weekday and make people in Zuidas happy with delicious fresh kebabs.”

What sets your kebab shop apart from all the rest?

“My buns, kebab and salads are delivered fresh daily. That makes a real difference. You can see it’s busy here every afternoon. I have to work flat out for the three hours we’re open, but after that wwe’ll be finished and can wash up and leave it all behind until the next day. That clear peak time also makes this place special.”

Have you ever been approached by other catering operators with an eye on your location?

“Sure, I’ve received offers for decent sums, but money isn’t everything. I love selling döner kebabs, especially here in Zuidas.

I’ve built up a great group of customers and I wouldn’t want to lose them. Around 90% of them are my regulars. This being a national and international hotspot, people are coming and going all the time. And it’s a dynamic location too, which means my customer base has the potential to grow.”

“Most of all, I’d love a bigger kiosk. I’d also love to expand, but unfortunately the municipality says no. That’s a real shame. If expansion is genuinely not an option, I’d like to take over some nearby retail space if possible. I definitely see a long future for my business in Zuidas.”

56. De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek

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De Pizzabakkers | Zuidas

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