Australia's Top 50 QSRs
See who made the cut.
2012 -13 has been an outstanding time for a great number of QSRs across the country, and most are optimistic that the success will follow throughout the rest of this year.
It has been an eventful year; with the introduction of quite a number of menu and product innovations, along with development of websites and online accessibility of brands. But more importantly, growth and expansion has also been one of the top priorities of brands in the industry.
While there can be countless ways to measure the success of a brand, such as a system-wide sales or average sales per unit basis, QSR Media decided to highlight the progress of different QSRs in Australia into a ranking based on the number of outlets they have that are currently operational.
In a span of three months, data was gathered from over 200 QSRs across the country, and was then trimmed down to the top 50 that boast the most number of outlets.
With the quick-service industry constantly evolving, QSR Media’s definition of fast food has broadened, encompassing various aspects—ranging from mobile cafes, through emerging fast casual restaurants, multi unit food retailers and to more traditional quick service outlets. The list also features brands that can either be privately owned, a bolt-on concept, or a franchise.
A total of 64 QSRs made the cut, showcasing 44 QSRs, 14 cafes, 3 bakeries, and 3 ice creameries. The listing was done by brand, presenting the total number of stores brands have solely in Australia, along with a tally of their company stores and franchised stores. The name of the brand’s Managing Director or CEO is also featured on the list.
This Top 50 list will be benchmarking the industry, and QSR Media will be compiling and publishing this list annually to include more data in the years to come.
QSR Media also notes that there may be a slight variation with the data presented, from the time the research was conducted to the time it was published.
A phenomenal 2012
Bagging the top spots on the Top 50 QSR’s list are three American QSRs. Subway ranked first, followed by Mcdonald’s, and Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC).
Subway currently has a total of 1373 outlets across Australia, with all outlets standing as franchises. Brian Tapp from Subway Australia reported that it has been an exceptional year for their brand with new store openings in more than 2,000 locations across the globe, which included an average of one new restaurant per week in Australia.
In the same light, KFC also shared how ‘phenomenal’ 2012 had been for their brand, with exciting product development and significant store improvements. According to Tony Lowings, Managing Director of KFC Australia, the most significant change that the brand underwent was the switch to locally sourced high oleic canola oil to cook their food. The brand has also been actively developing and implementing their new recycling program called, “Do the Right Thing, Use the Right Bin.” It is a joint project with the Australian Packaging Covenant, which hopes to reduce tonnes landfill waste each year.
In addition, quite a number of QSRs have also been eagerly expanding, not only in the country, but have started branching out overseas as well. Pie Face, which ranked 32 on the list, reported that the brand’s arrival in the United States have translated very well and continues to generate a strong demand from prospective partners across the globe.
An even more exciting 2013
Now that almost half of the year has passed, various QSRs have started the year big, with the introduction of new and exciting developments with their stores, and most especially with their products.
Pizza franchises such as Domino’s, Pizza Capers, Eagle Boys, and Crust, have revamped their menu to showcase a wider range of pizza innovations.
Most brands took time to listen to their customers’ feedback and created new flavours that they know will appeal to their customers.
Eagle Boys and gourmet pizza bar, Crust, have even taken pizza creation to a whole new level with the debut of their dessert pizzas.
Aside from menu innovations, a number of QSRs have also started launching new looks and improvements for their stores. Fasta Pasta, for example, has recently unveiled the brand’s upgraded modern look and branding. Sumo Salad’s latest concept store also presented a new café style design, which boasted a fresh and earthly ambiance.
Donut King also announced that their first drive thru outlet, including a playground, is set to roll out within the year.
QSRs have also begun to widen growth in the online arena, especially in social media networks. Brands have seen how effective these networks are in increasing brand promotion and marketing. Some have even launched Apps to give their customers easier access on their brand’s store locations, latest promos and updates, and product information.
With all these innovations and upcoming developments of different QSRs well on its way, one cannot help but be excited about what’s in store for the industry this year.
