Australia's Top 25 QSRs & QSR Media's TOP 150 QSR list
Find out who made the cut this year.
QSR Media presents the TOP 150 QSRs, a one-of-a-kind list highlighting the progress of Australia's quick service and fast casual restaurants and ranking them based on nationwide store count.
The first TOP 25 QSRs will be available for the public presented in a slideshow (link below) while the complete list can be purchased here.
In 2013, we ranked the TOP 50 QSRs but as the industry flourishes, the list grows longer telling tales of successes, store openings and brand evolution, as well as cautionary tales of closing businesses such as Wagamama, Extreme Pita and The Cupcake Bakery.
Categorized by type of food served, quick service restaurants included in the list range from fast food and fast casual restaurants to more traditional quick service outlets. From chicken shops, to bakeries, to ice creameries, the list boasts of a wide variety of concepts that can either be privately owned, a bolt-on concept or a franchise.
Meticulously researched in the span of four months, data was gathered from over 300 QSRs across the country with only 150 making the cut based on outlet number. Store count is only one measure of success but we believe it is an important one.
QSR Media is the only firm to produce the list in this format and is a benchmark for the industry, however, there may be a slight variation with the data presented, from the time the research was conducted to the time it was published.
A FLOURISHING YEAR
Subway continues to receive the top gong on our list, followed by McDonald's and Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) --- Definitely strong contenders who have held their place second year in a row.
From a total of 1,373 outlets across Australia last year, Subway has grown to 1,400 locations in 2014. According to Canstar Blue, the chain continues to consistently have the most satisfied customers, acing not just the taste of food and value for money but also speed of food preparation and customer service.
We have also seen McDonald's respond to the changing face of the industry, making its food offering more accessible and convenient with the launch of its home delivery service; and the introduction of its gourmet-style customizable burgers.
This year, QSR Media saw more than a handful of QSRs aggressively expanding and international concepts entering the market. 2014 was also the year of acquisitions.
Numerous chains have dedicated 2014 to expanding their locations and growing their store count, like Baskin-Robbins, Paleo Cafe and Roll'd, among others. At the same time, international franchises like Little Caesars, Carl's Jr, 1000 Watt, and The Chicken Shop sets their sight on the Australian market, announcing their entry or opening their first Australian location.
We also witnessed a number of acquisitions, for instance Retail Food Group recently announced its its entry into a Sale & Purchase Agreement (SPA) to acquire the global business and intellectual property assets of Gloria Jean’s Coffees; VGC Food Group gave up its controlling stake to the Minor DKL Food Group last month; and Retail Zoo's private-equity deal with Bain Capital was finalized earlier this year.
A total of 150 quick service and fast casual restaurants made the cut, showcasing 15 Asian restaurants, 10 Burger chains and 17 Bakeries, among many others which can be seen on the complete TOP 150 list. The listing was done by brand, presenting the total number of stores throughout Australia, including two key contacts from majority of the brands.
