In Focus

India and Bangladesh are Gelatissimo’s new frontiers in 2018, with stores to open in both countries within a couple of months. The brand is also exploring opportunities in the USA.

Muffin Break will soon announce a social action initiative which will focus on taking 11 million paper cups from its stores out of the stream. The brand has also partnered with The Female Social Network (TFSN) to make a difference in the lives of Australian women. Below is the transcript of the interview.

With 84 locations so far, Chatime is continually looking at its business model to drive innovation across various disciplines, including asset design, reducing cost of entry, new equipment, and development and upskilling of partners and brew crew. Below is a transcript of the interview with Chatime.

The Bansal Group also announced its plans to provide consumers with products they love, stay innovative, and bring new things to market for them to try. New promotional products are slated to be released throughout 2018 to cater to the increasingly digitally connected Australian consumers. 

It also announced plans to shake up the smoothie and juice market with product innovations to launch in the coming months.

An emerging burger concept with three outlets so far - Burger Love has plans to expand internationally into China, Indonesia, and the UK. It has recently become the first Australian fast food restaurant to adopt cryptocurrency in its stores. Aside from footprint expansion, Burger Love discussed its plans to launch an online and mobile ordering, as well as a VIP loyalty program. Below is the transcript of the interview with Burger Love.

As the smaller footprint of the traditional Hog's Steakhouse, Hog’s Express provides the latest technology which includes a fully interactive customer ordering system, as well as power and charging devices storewide for customers dining in.

With the recent partnership with Uber Eats and the launch of its drone delivery, Guzman y Gomez says exciting times are ahead for the brand. Guzman y Gomez founder and global CEO Steven Marks said last December that they plan to expand to at least 20 more drive-thru locations this year. Below is the transcript of the interview with Marks.

The brand has big plans to continue to stay ahead in the market with product innovation, refinement of eco-responsible packaging, and developing a program of communities that support its SUKI stores. Suki's CEO Kim Toovey says they also look forward to create opportunities for internal talent to rise, as well as attracting external talent to continue to refine the brand to take it international. Below is the transcript of the interview with Toovey.

Piccolo Me co-founder Charlie Hachem will be working with Master Franchisees to facilitate the brand's growth in overseas markets. They're also looking to expand its food offering as they gear to move towards larger spaces with full kitchens to provide a fuller menu and interesting creations from our chef. Below is the transcript of the interview with Hachem.

Soul Origin says they're currently focused on increasing their digital presence, as well as making a move to expand in Western Australia.

QSR Media's Year in Review looks at the big news of this year. Here is our summary of the most significant events and trends in the quick service and fast casual restaurant industry this year.  

From homegrown to contemporary concepts across Asia and the UK, let's take a look at some of the brands and determine what sets them apart.

Major growth is planned over the next couple of years, with a goal of 100 combined stores in the next 24-36 months.

Pizza Hut's brand manager, Mark Diezmann, spoke to QSR Media to detail the new fast casual dining concept that has launched today (27th November) in Australia.

CEO Luke Baylis spoke to QSR media about the restructure from traditional outlets to transport hubs.