Introduction

Quick-service restaurants, also known as fast food restaurants, are essential to Australia’s food service industry. These restaurants are defined by their fast service, affordable prices, and convenient takeaway or dine-in options. Quick service chains account for over a third of Australia’s $17 billion restaurant and cafe sector.

The criteria for this report’s top quick-service chains include annual revenue, number of stores, market share, brand awareness, and growth. While international brands like McDonald’s and KFC dominate in scale and sales, Australian-founded chains like Boost Juice and Red Rooster thrive with their localised offerings. This report will analyse ten leading quick service chains contributing to the growth and evolution of this competitive industry.

Market Size and Growth

Australia’s quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry is a major food and beverage sector component, generating over $17 billion in revenue annually. Rapid growth has occurred recently, with QSR sales increasing by 4-5% yearly.

Several factors have driven growth in QSRs:

• Changing consumer lifestyles and preference for convenience – With more women in the workforce and busier schedules, households increasingly rely on fast food for meals. Many Australians view QSRs as an affordable and convenient food option.
• Rising discretionary incomes—Income growth has provided consumers with more discretionary spending power to dine out and order takeaway. Many consumers view QSRs as an indulgence.
• Increase in food delivery services—Third-party delivery services like Uber Eats and Deliveroo have made fast food even more accessible. Customers can easily order QSR food from home or work.
• Expansion in suburbs and regional areas—As the population has grown and decentralised, QSR brands are penetrating new geographic markets outside major cities.
• Aggressive franchising – Major chains are expanding through franchising, establishing a wider retail footprint across Australia.

Analysts forecast that the QSR market will grow at 3-5% annually over the next five years. This sustained growth will be driven by ongoing lifestyle changes, rising household discretionary income, and technology enabling greater consumer access and convenience. The outlook remains positive for domestic and international QSR brands operating in the Australian marketplace.

Top Chains by Revenue

McDonald’s is the largest QSR chain in Australia, with annual revenue of over $2 billion AUD from its 990 locations nationwide. It is known for burgers, fries, chicken nuggets, and milkshakes.

KFC is the second largest, with revenue of $1.5 billion AUD across 600 stores. It Specialises in fried chicken and sides.

Subway ranks third, with 500 locations, and brings in $800 million AUD annually. Subs and salads are menu staples.

Domino’s Pizza generates $750 million AUD from 260 stores. Its main fare is pizza, with sides like chicken wings and garlic bread.

Oporto has over 180 quick-service restaurants, earning around $500 million AUD per year. It is famous for its Portuguese-style flame-grilled chicken.

Red Rooster comes in sixth with 350 outlets and $400 million AUD in revenue. Known for roasted chicken, fries, and Aussie-style chips.

Top Chains by Store Count

McDonald’s tops the list with over 950 locations across Australia. Known for its burgers, fries, and iconic Big Mac, McDonald’s has an extensive menu including breakfast items like Egg McMuffins.

Subway comes in second with over 1,100 stores nationwide. Guests can customise sandwiches and salads with breads, meats, cheeses, and toppings. The popular Meatball Marinara and Chicken Teriyaki are signature options.

KFC is third, with over 660 outlets focused on its famous fried chicken. Sides like mashed potatoes and coleslaw complement mains like Bucket Meals and the Zinger Burger.

Domino’s Pizza follows with 550+ locations. The chain is renowned for delivery of pizzas like Pepperoni, Hawaiian, and BBQ Meatlovers. Sides such as garlic bread and chicken wings are menu staples.

Red Rooster closes out the top five with over 360 restaurants nationwide. Known for roasted chicken and sides, diners also enjoy menu items like wraps, salads, and sundaes.

Local Australian Chains

Australia has developed iconic homegrown quick-service restaurant (QSR) chains that have become ingrained in the country’s culture. These Australian QSR brands have focused on quality ingredients and freshness to stand out from international competitors.

Red Rooster: Founded in WA in the 1970s, Red Rooster has over 350 locations across Australia. It is known for its roast chicken and sides like roasted veggies and coleslaw. The chain focuses on fresh Aussie ingredients.

Oporto: Starting in Sydney in the 1980s, Oporto popularised Portuguese flame-grilled chicken in Australia. It has over 170 restaurants nationally and expanded its menu beyond chicken to burgers, salads, and sides.

Chicken Treat—This WA-founded chicken chain now has around 160 stores across the country. Its signature menu item is marinated, fresh fried chicken. Sides like chips, wings, and potato wedges are also popular.

SumoSalad—Founded in Sydney in 2000, SumoSalad brought healthy, customised salads to food courts around Australia. It now has over 100 locations and has added wraps, juices, and acai bowls to its menu.

Grill’d—Starting in Melbourne in 2004, Grill’d now has over 120 gourmet burger restaurants nationally. Its focus is on quality ingredients, and customers can build their own burgers.

Boost Juice: Founded in Adelaide in 2000, Boost Juice bars started the fresh juice trend in Australia. With over 500 stores, it specialises in smoothies, juice cleanses, and acai bowls.

Motto Motto: This was born from the kitchen of one of Australia’s most awarded Japanese restaurants. It hatched in 2014 and is a paramount change for people looking for healthier dining that current fast food establishments cannot offer, with 13 sites and a growth strategy to increase stores across QLD and NSW.

Burger Urge- Prime themselves on when your local burger restaurant is an authentic establishment and experience, focusing on real ingredients. Founded by brothers Sean and Colby Carthew in 2007 as a small local restaurant on Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley Burger Urge has nearly 50 locations nationwide.

The success of these Australian QSR brands shows how they have adapted menus and store formats to changing consumer preferences around healthy, fresh options. Their growth indicates a strong demand for homegrown chains that understand local tastes.

International Chains

Australia has many popular international quick service restaurant (QSR) chains. These global brands have expanded into the Australian market and adapted their menus and store formats to appeal to local tastes.

McDonald’s is Australia’s largest international QSR chain, with over 930 locations nationwide. Known for its burgers, fries, and shakes, McDonald’s signature menu items like the Big Mac are popular choices. The chain continues to innovate by adding healthy options and customisable burgers.

Subway is another major international player, with over 1,300 stores in Australia. It is famous for its submarine sandwiches, which are made with fresh ingredients and prepared in front of customers. Signature subs like the Meatball Marinara and Chicken Teriyaki are go-to choices.

KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) has over 600 locations in Australia, serving its iconic fried chicken buckets and sides. Zinger burgers, Twisters and Popcorn Chicken are also popular. KFC aims to open more than 20 new stores annually in Australia.

Domino’s Pizza is a leader in the pizza category, with over 700 stores. Customers can order online and take advantage of delivery deals. Domino’s often unveils local menu specials like the Aussie Barbecue Meatlovers pizza.

Other major international QSR brands in Australia include Starbucks, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Carl’s Jr. and Oporto. These global chains continue expanding as they tap into Australia’s growing QSR market. Adapting menus and store formats to cater to local tastes helps fuel their growth.

Trends and Innovations

The quick-service restaurant industry constantly evolves to meet changing consumer preferences and adopt new technologies.

Conclusion

Australia’s quick-service restaurant (QSR) landscape is a vibrant blend of international giants and innovative local brands, each bringing its unique flair to the market. The success of these chains underscores a dynamic industry that adeptly balances tradition with modern trends. Australian consumers are spoilt for choice, whether it’s the comfort of familiar international flavours or the fresh, locally-sourced offerings of homegrown establishments. As the market continues to evolve, innovation and a keen understanding of local preferences will be key drivers, ensuring that the QSR sector remains responsive and relevant in the face of shifting consumer demands. This diverse array of options caters to a wide range of tastes and reflects the culinary creativity and adaptability that define Australia’s food culture.