2024: Year in Review
We look back at the highs and lows of the Australian multi-site restaurant industry these past twelve months.
From Guzman y Gomez's initial public offering to Don Meij, Domino's Chief Executive's retirement, the QSR industry has witnessed significant milestones and leadership transitions, highlighting a dynamic period of growth, innovation, and change.
We look back on this year's major deals, expansion, new concepts, and technology updates as 2024 ends.
Debuts and international expansions
From IPOs, emerging players entering the market, and established brands expanding nationally and internationally either to corporate expansions or IPOs, these QSRs are vying for supremacy.
- Guzman y Gomez announces $2.2b IPO launch
- US gourmet cookie brand Crumbl eyes 15 stores down under
- Five Guys eyes Sydney and Melbourne as a springboard for national expansion
- Carlos Antonius plots Chatime’s next moves
- Here’s how Boxx Brands plans to take Cinnabon to new heights in WA
- What’s driving Bakers Delight’s consistent growth?
- Zambrero reaches 300th restaurant milestone
- What fueled Oporto’s 200 restaurant growth?
- How Gami Chicken found growth in adapting to what customers want
- Foodco franchisees get $30,000 worth of incentives to launch new cafés
- Tam Jai Mixian debuts in Australia
Menu updates and marketing
QSRs are trying to capture consumer attention with various marketing strategies and constant menu updates.
- Hungry Jack’s, Macca’s vying for Aussies’ morning dollars, analyst says
- Soonta targets family market with kids meal launch
- Why Gotcha Fresh Tea has an in-house design team
- Subway, Sushi Sushi wisen up on marketing amidst cost crunch
- Inside Motto Motto’s new breakfast daypart dining concept Motto Mornings
- Mad Mex, Sushi Sushi explains why healthy food items are now a staple on the menu
- McDonald’s partners with Netflix for Squid Game December release
Brand revamps in QSR
QSR brands are transforming to stay competitive and connect with modern consumers.
- Soul Origin to launch 35 coffee-focused rebranded restaurants by 2025
- OOSHMAN rebrands to stand out in crowded market
- Inside The Coffee Club’s triple concept rollout
- What to expect with Retail Food Group's rebranding
Leadership shake-ups
Key executive changes are reshaping the direction of major quick-service restaurant brands.
- Get to know San Churro’s new COO
- Mad Mex CEO resigns, takes up post at Oporto
- Starbucks taps Braeden Lord as new CEO
- Starbucks Australia appoints James Sinclair to its board
- Don Meij announces retirement
- Domino’s Pizza taps Kerri Hayman as new ANZ CEO
- Collins Foods appoints Xavier Simonet as managing director and CEO
- Chatime Australia boss appointed as global CEO
- Pizza Hut Australia CEO Phil Reed named President of Flynn ANZ
Corporate Shake-ups
Mergers, acquisitions, legal battles, and more are reshaping the quick-service restaurant landscape.
- Domino's issues statement on temporary restaurant closures in Townsville
- Oliver's outlines 3 strategic priorities for 2025 after $2.3m loss
- Franchise Council of Australia allegedly racks up $1.32m in loss
- TGI Fridays Australia publishes statements amidst US parent company bankruptcy
- Domino's Australia releases statement on shareholder class action
- MOS Burger shutters restaurants in Australia
- Carl’s Jr Australia master franchisee goes into administration
- Piccolo Me parent acquires Sol Bowl
- Sushi Sushi acquires Sushi Musa brand
AI and tech in QSR
Restaurants are trying to streamline their services with new technology
- Meet Ollie, Oliver’s AI drive-thru Aussie assistant
- Consumers are ready but human oversight remains key for AI—KPMG partner
- A peek inside KFC Australia’s voice AI drive-thru technology
- Is it time for a tech renaissance in drive-thrus?
- Is going cashless the future for QSRs?
- How GOPIZZA fused AI in fast-food service in Asia
This year also saw the top restaurant brands lauded for their outstanding initiatives at the QSR Media Conference & Awards 2024.
