Leslie Massey
Australia has a wide variety of fast-food options, from international giants like McDonald's and KFC to local favourites such as Red Rooster and Grill'd. The country's quick-service restaurants (QSRs) are popular for their convenience, affordability, and speed. Subway, McDonald's, and KFC are the largest food chains by the number of locations, with Subway leading the way with over 1,200 stores across the country. Other popular options include Hungry Jack's, Dominos Pizza, Bakers Delight, and Guzman y Gomez, which has been expanding due to the growing popularity of Mexican food. Consumers are also becoming more health-conscious, demanding healthier options from fast-food outlets and expressing disapproval of junk food advertising during children's viewing hours and at sports games.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Largest food chains in Australia | Subway, McDonald's, KFC, Hungry Jack's, Red Rooster, Zambrero, Guzman y Gomez, Bakers Delight, Dominos Pizza, Nandos |
| McDonald's locations in Australia | 1,040+ |
| KFC locations in Australia | 784 |
| Subway locations in Australia | 1,230+ |
| State with the most KFC locations | New South Wales |
| State with the most McDonald's locations | New South Wales |
| State with the most Subway locations | New South Wales |
| Popular Australian fast food | Kebabs, HSP, Chips and gravy, Kebab shop onion rings, Oporto's, Hungry Jack's Brekky wraps, McDonald's McMuffins, Domino's $3 mini pizzas |
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What You'll Learn
- McDonald's, Subway, KFC, and other large international fast-food brands dominate Australia's QSR landscape
- Local fast-food brands in Australia include Red Rooster, Grill'd, and Guzman y Gomez
- Consumers are demanding healthier options from fast-food outlets, and some disapprove of junk food advertising during children's viewing hours
- McDonald's has over 1,000 locations in Australia, while KFC has over 700
- Other popular fast-food chains in Australia include Hungry Jack's, Zambrero, and Domino's Pizza
McDonald's, Subway, KFC, and other large international fast-food brands dominate Australia's QSR landscape
McDonald's, Subway, and KFC are the three largest food chains in Australia, with 1,053, 1,243, and 784 locations, respectively, as of 2025. These international fast-food giants, along with other global brands, dominate Australia's quick-service restaurant (QSR) landscape.
McDonald's, often called "Maccas" in Australia, has an extensive presence in the country, with some sources stating over 1,040 locations as of 2024 and others claiming 900+ outlets. While some Australians appreciate the convenience and affordability of McDonald's, others find the quality inconsistent. The brand's dominance in the market is evident, with some stating that there are "as many McDonald's... as anyone could possibly need."
Subway is the largest food chain in Australia in terms of store count, with over 1,230 locations recorded in 2024 and 1,243 in 2025. The state of New South Wales has the highest number of Subway locations, with approximately 26% of all Subway stores in Australia.
KFC has made a strong comeback in Australia after facing potential closure two decades ago. As of May 2025, there were 784 KFC restaurants in Australia, with New South Wales accounting for about 31% of those locations. KFC is popular among Australians, despite some mixed experiences shared by customers.
Other large international fast-food brands that have a significant presence in Australia include Pizza Hut, Hungry Jack's, and Domino's Pizza. Local brands such as Red Rooster, Grill'd, and Guzman y Gomez are also popular and attract many customers.
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Local fast-food brands in Australia include Red Rooster, Grill'd, and Guzman y Gomez
Australia has a diverse range of fast-food options, with a mix of well-known international brands and local favourites. Among these local fast-food brands, Red Rooster, Grill'd, and Guzman y Gomez have carved out a special place in the hearts of Australians.
Red Rooster is an iconic Australian brand specialising in roast chicken and fried chicken. With a focus on takeaway, delivery, and click-and-collect options, Red Rooster has become a go-to choice for Australians seeking convenient and delicious chicken meals.
Grill'd, founded in 2004, takes a different approach to traditional fast food. They pride themselves on offering healthy, delicious burgers made with locally sourced produce and no artificial ingredients. Grill'd is committed to animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and community engagement, ensuring that their customers can enjoy their burgers with a side of social responsibility.
Guzman y Gomez, often referred to as GYG, is a Mexican kitchen that has become a significant player in the Australian fast-casual dining scene. With a strong focus on standalone drive-thru locations, GYG has mastered the art of PR and marketing, earning comparisons to industry giants like McDonald's. Their rewards program and promotions, such as $5 Burrito Day, keep customers coming back for more.
These three local fast-food brands have made their mark on the Australian market, offering unique dining experiences that cater to a range of tastes and preferences. Whether it's Red Rooster's mouth-watering chicken, Grill'd's healthy and ethical burgers, or Guzman y Gomez's convenient Mexican fare, Australians have embraced these local options as part of their diverse fast-food landscape.
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Consumers are demanding healthier options from fast-food outlets, and some disapprove of junk food advertising during children's viewing hours
Consumers in Australia are demanding healthier options from fast-food outlets, and there is disapproval regarding the advertising of junk food during children's viewing hours. This shift in consumer preferences comes as experts warn of the long-term health costs associated with consuming ultra-processed foods, which are prevalent in the fast-food industry.
In response to these concerns, some fast-food chains in Australia have made efforts to improve their nutrition-related policies and practices. For example, they have shown a public commitment to improving population diets and enhancing nutrition labelling. However, there is still room for improvement, as many of their products remain high in salt, sugar, and harmful fats. Additionally, there is a need for stronger action and greater reporting of nutrition-related practices across the industry.
To address these issues, several strategies have been proposed. One suggestion is to implement pricing strategies that make healthier options more affordable, similar in price, or cheaper than less healthy alternatives. This could involve restricting price promotions and value deals on less healthy items. Another strategy is to introduce kilojoule labelling on menu boards and interpretive nutrition labelling using health stars or colour-coding. Industry associations, such as the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC), and government initiatives like the Healthy Food Partnership, should support companies in implementing these recommendations.
While there is growing demand for healthier options, the reality is that fast-food chains in Australia are expanding. Analysts attribute this trend to consumers "trading down" from expensive restaurants to more affordable outlets due to cost-of-living pressures. This shift has resulted in an increase in the number of fast-food and takeaway businesses in Australia, with major chains strategically locating their outlets in outer suburban areas.
Regarding junk food advertising during children's viewing hours, there is currently a lack of Australian government regulation specifically protecting children from unhealthy food marketing. The advertising industry has developed its own codes, such as the Australian Association of National Advertisers Food and Beverages Advertising Code and the Children's Advertising Code, but these have been deemed inadequate. A proposed bill aims to ban junk food ads from TV and radio between 6:00 am and 9:30 pm and prohibit junk food marketing on social media and other online platforms. This bill has received support from various health organizations and professionals in Australia.
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McDonald's has over 1,000 locations in Australia, while KFC has over 700
McDonald's and KFC are two of the most popular fast-food restaurants in Australia. As of March 2025, McDonald's had over 1,000 locations across Australia, with 1,053 restaurants spread across the country. New South Wales had the highest number of McDonald's locations, with 333 restaurants, accounting for about 32% of all McDonald's in the country.
McDonald's is so ubiquitous in Australia that one person commented that there are "as many McDonald's [restaurants] as anyone could possibly need". It is also referred to colloquially as "Maccas". While some people appreciate the convenience and affordability of McDonald's, others have criticised its food for being inconsistent and mediocre.
KFC, on the other hand, has over 700 locations in Australia, with 784 restaurants as of May 2025. New South Wales has the highest number of KFC outlets, with 246 restaurants, making up about 31% of all KFCs in Australia. KFC has experienced a resurgence in Australia, as there was a time when it seemed the franchise might be closing down operations in the country.
Both McDonald's and KFC are international fast-food giants that dominate Australia's quick-service restaurant (QSR) landscape.
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Other popular fast-food chains in Australia include Hungry Jack's, Zambrero, and Domino's Pizza
Australia has a wide variety of fast-food options, ranging from international giants to local brands. Subway, McDonald's, and KFC are the largest food chains in Australia in terms of the number of locations. However, other popular fast-food chains in the country include Hungry Jacks, Zambrero, and Dominos Pizza.
Hungry Jacks, also known as Burger King outside of Australia, is a popular fast-food chain with 477 locations across Australia as of July 2025. The state with the most Hungry Jack's locations is Victoria, with 118 restaurants. While some Australians have expressed mixed reviews about the taste and quality of the food, others consider it their preferred "crap food restaurant".
Zambrero is a fast-growing fast-food chain with a focus on Mexican cuisine. As of May 2025, there were 279 Zambrero restaurants in Australia, with Western Australia having the highest number of locations at 65 restaurants. Zambrero's popularity is indicative of the growing appetite for Mexican food in the country.
Dominos Pizza is another prominent fast-food chain in Australia, with 726 locations across the country as of June 2025. New South Wales has the highest concentration of Dominos Pizza restaurants, with 243 locations. Dominos Pizza is particularly well-known for its affordable mini pizzas, making it a popular choice for many Australians.
In addition to these three chains, Australia's fast-food landscape is diverse, with a mix of international brands and local favourites. Local brands such as Red Rooster, Grill'd, and Guzman y Gomez are giving strong competition to international giants like McDonald's and KFC. The country's QSR (quick-service restaurants) market is expected to become even more competitive with the entry of American fast-food outlet Wendy's by 2025.
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Frequently asked questions
The largest fast-food chains in Australia, based on the number of locations, are Subway, McDonald's, and KFC. Other popular fast-food restaurants in Australia include Hungry Jack's, Red Rooster, and Grill'd.
Some people consider Hungry Jack's to be unique to Australia. Other fast-food chains that are not as prevalent in other countries include Guzman y Gomez, Bakers Delight, and Zambrero.
Fast food in Australia has been described as pretty mediocre and pretty expensive compared to other countries. However, there is a wide variety of options, including well-known international chains and local brands.
