2019: Year in Review

We look back at the highs and lows of the Australian multi-site restaurant industry these past twelve months.

From new trends and concepts to growth chokes, QSR Media's Year in Review looks at the biggest and some of the most-read stories of 2019. Here is our summary of the most significant events and trends in the quick service and fast casual restaurant industry this year.

Towards multi-format growth

More restaurants have sought opportunities in various store formats in 2019. From drive-thrus to dark kitchens, brands are reaching out to more consumers without confining their potential to score revenues.

Restaurant-supermarket hybrid
Taking the challenge for bringing convenience head on is the concept behind Coles’ first restaurant-supermarket hybrid. Sushi Sushi and EARL joined the new concept with flexible food items.

Coles head of convenience Louis Eggar: “Our new food hall concept is all about making life easier for our customers by solving the problem of what to eat – for everyone, any time of the day.”

Getting in on grab-and-go
Further realising their potential in satisfying demand for convenience, chains like Subway and Oliver’s Real Food have launched grab-and-go ranges.

Transitioning to QSR formats
Dining chains are also seeing potential to grow in the fast food segment by transitioning to a QSR format.

More plant-based, flexitarian ranges

Chains in various categories - even in dessert - are offering even more vegan items. Some brands have partnered with with alternative meat startups like v2food and US-based Beyond Meat, for the growing number of health-conscious, vegan and flexitarian consumers.

Aggregators widen service options, a new player emerges
Delivery platforms have continued to widen their service options for customers and partner- restaurants. This year has also seen the debut of the US-based Doordash as a new player in the scene.

New concepts
From utilising robots to introducing specialty concepts, chains underscored the need to transcend into the future of the industry. Moreover, foreign brands have come to shake up the scene.

Underpayment cases hound industry
The ride of growth opportunities for the multi-site restaurant industry stops short for chains facing labour woes with the biggest allegation of wage theft amounting to $10 million.

RFG’s turnaround strategy in progress
Amongst chains which have struggled in the year, Retail Food Group had to grapple with losses and measures to keep their business afloat. Recently, shareholders still see value with the company with their approval of the $170m capital raising plan.

Exploring overseas markets
Chains have continuously explored Asian markets for growth potential. The Coffee Club aimed to localise their offerings in Vietnam, whilst Mad Mex sought to capitalise on the growing healthy food demand in the Asian region.

Unique campaigns
QSRs sought to raise customer loyalty with their unique campaigns. McDonald’s introduced their limited-edition merchandise via delivery. For the love of chicken, KFC is offering wedding services to six couples until May 2020.