A €1 kebab promotion at a newly opened restaurant in Dortmund, Germany, drew hundreds of customers on Sunday, November 8, leading to violent clashes with police officers and a major security operation.
The restaurant had advertised the discounted doner kebabs online to celebrate its opening. Police estimated that about 300 people, mostly teenagers and young adults, gathered outside the business. The owner put the number at approximately 1,000. Despite hiring private security guards, the owner struggled to control the crowd and eventually called police for assistance.
Police officers attacked as kebab promotion turns violent
According to Dortmund police, officers arrived shortly after 2 p.m. and ordered the crowd to leave. Some individuals responded by throwing stones, fireworks, a chair, an electric scooter, and other objects at officers. A police vehicle was also damaged during the disturbance. Authorities deployed additional officers and a helicopter to restore order.
Dortmund police chief Tim Frommeyer condemned the violence, saying those who attack officers should face criminal consequences. He also accused some participants of attending public gatherings specifically to provoke violence.
Police detained one person who refused an order to leave. Officers recovered a blank-firing pistol during a search and later released the individual. Authorities opened several criminal investigations involving public disorder, resisting police, property damage and insults directed at officers. City officials temporarily prohibited the restaurant from operating while authorities examined the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Restaurant owner apologizes after violent incident
Restaurant owner Mustafa Hilal later apologized for the disruption during an interview. He explained that the situation became dangerous after private security guards were overwhelmed by the number of customers. Hilal said he had organized similar promotions before but would reconsider holding another.
Hundreds swarm a 1 euro kebab opening in Dortmund.
Police say about 300 people, mostly teens, packed the street on Sunday. Officers sent to clear it were hit with stones, bottles and fireworks.
Why should taxpayers fund the cleanup for a shop stunt. pic.twitter.com/JvrMh3eF07
— EU Border News (@EUBorderNews) November 10, 2026
He suggested limiting attendance or hiring additional security staff. Authorities are also investigating whether the owner could bear responsibility for the police operation.
Rising prices in Germany
The €1 promotion stood out because food prices have increased significantly in Germany. Until around 2020, a typical kebab cost between €3.50 and €4. Prices have since climbed to approximately €7.50 to €9, largely because of rising food and energy costs.
The doner, Turkey’s counterpart to the Greek souvlaki, has become one of Germany’s most popular fast-food dishes. Similar price pressures have affected Greece, where souvlaki prices have climbed above €5 in many areas as businesses face higher food and operating costs.
Turkish guest workers helped popularize the flatbread version of doner in West Berlin more than 50 years ago, turning it into a major part of German street-food culture. The dish also became the subject of a dispute between Germany and Turkey over proposed European Union food standards.
An Istanbul-based industry group sought EU recognition for doner kebabs as a “traditional speciality guaranteed.” Germany opposed the proposal, arguing that strict preparation rules could increase costs and restrict businesses. The International Döner Federation withdrew its application in September 2025, ending the dispute over EU-wide production requirements.
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