Mangal partners with Circus to launch first fully autonomous QSR chain

EUROPE – Mangal, a European food franchise chain, has teamed up with AI and robotics firm Circus to introduce the first fully autonomous quick-service restaurant (QSR) chain, leveraging cutting-edge technology to transform foodservice operations.

Mangal is set to revolutionize food service with the launch of fully autonomous robotic restaurants, blending cutting-edge AI and robotics with culinary expertise.

Under a newly developed brand, Mangal will begin its expansion in Germany before entering Turkey, Japan, Poland, and the rest of Europe.

The grand opening is scheduled for fall 2025, marking the start of a large-scale rollout of 500 CA-1 robotic restaurant units across Germany by the end of 2027.

This first phase is part of a broader plan to establish up to 2,400 autonomous restaurant locations in the coming years.

The restaurants will operate using Circus SE’s advanced CA-1 robotic system, designed for maximum efficiency, precision, and scalability.

Focused on Turkish cuisine, the new concept will offer an authentic yet modern menu tailored to today’s consumers.

Mangal’s founder, Metin Dağ, described the initiative as a historic moment for both the company and the food industry, emphasizing that with Circus’ robotics technology, the future of quick-service dining would be transformed.

He highlighted the project’s goal of providing high-quality, accessible food with zero human operation, positioning it as more than just a franchise but a complete revolution.

Circus SE, recognized as a leader in autonomous food production, has developed AI-powered robotic solutions that address the evolving demands of the industry.

The company’s CA-1 robot is designed to enhance speed, consistency, and food quality, setting a new benchmark for efficiency in quick-service operations.

Nikolas Bullwinkel, Founder & CEO of Circus SE, stated that the partnership validated the scalability of autonomous food service.

He noted that launching the first fully autonomous restaurant franchise with Mangal and Lukas Podolski marked a significant milestone for the industry.

According to him, this initiative was not just about automation but redefining food service entirely.

With the first flagship stores set to open in Germany, the project aims to showcase how AI-driven automation can support high-volume, high-quality restaurant operations at an unprecedented scale.

The expansion aligns with Germany’s strong kebab culture, where the dish has become a staple.

The country has over 30,000 kebab outlets, outnumbering McDonald’s, Burger King, and all other fast-food chains combined.

Germans consume around 400 million kebabs annually, generating approximately €3.5 billion (US$3.8 billion) in sales.

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