Damon Mcknight
KFC, or Kentucky Fried Chicken as it was formerly known, first opened its doors in Australia in 1968. The inaugural store was established in Guildford, a suburb in Sydney's west, by Canadian entrepreneur Bob Lapointe. With just 25 staff members, the store proved immensely popular, and by 1970, only two years later, 38 more KFC locations had opened across Australia, with plans to expand to 200 outlets by the end of 1973. This introduction of KFC to Australia marked the beginning of the fast-food revolution in the country, and the brand has since become an integral part of the community and economy, employing over 35,000 Australians and serving approximately two million customers each week.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year | 1968 |
| Date | 27 April |
| City | Sydney |
| Suburb | Guildford |
| Staff | 25 |
| Founder | Bob Lapointe |
| Founder's nationality | Canadian |
| Number of stores in 1970 | 38 |
| Number of stores in NSW | 190 |
| Number of stores in Australia | 625-680 |
| Number of employees | 35,000+ |
| Number of customers per week | 2 million |
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What You'll Learn
KFC's first Australian store opened in 1968
The introduction of KFC in Australia was significant as it brought the American fast-food chain's famous fried chicken to a new market. The early menu offerings in Australia included options such as one piece of chicken and chips for 45 cents, as well as larger options like a "Barrel" with 21 pieces of chicken for $5.20. The first Australian store was operated by franchisee Bob Lapointe, and it sparked a period of rapid expansion for KFC in the country.
The arrival of KFC in Australia also represented a shift in the country's culinary landscape, as fried chicken became more accessible and popular. KFC's entry into the market predated that of other major US food chains, including McDonald's, by several years, giving it a head start in establishing itself in the Australian fast-food industry.
The success of KFC in Australia can be attributed to several factors, including the popularity of its signature fried chicken and the effective utilization of franchising as a business model. The company's expansion strategy, which involved selling franchise rights to entrepreneurs like Jack Cowin, who opened his first KFC franchise in Perth, Australia, in 1969, contributed to its rapid growth. By 2018, KFC had become a significant presence in the country, with over 640 restaurants, more than 34,000 employees, and over 2 million customers served each week.
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It was located in Guildford, Sydney
On April 27, 1968, the first KFC in Australia opened in Guildford, a suburb in Sydney's west. The 4948-square-metre service centre was established by Canadian entrepreneur Bob Lapointe with 25 staff members. Known as Kentucky Fried Chicken at the time, the brand first opened in Guildford in Sydney's west and sold its world-famous fried chicken for as little as $1 in deals known as 'Thrift Boxes'.
The store was so popular that by 1970, just two years after it opened, there were 38 KFC locations across Australia, with at least one new store opening every week. The rapid expansion of the chain in Australia meant that by 1973, there were plans to have 200 outlets.
The Guildford store was the inaugural KFC in Australia, beating McDonald's to the Australian market by three years. The menu looked different in the early days. While a bucket of 15 pieces of chicken, gravy, and five rolls cost $3.95, a lunch pack with one piece of chicken and chips cost 45 cents. A large serving of chips was 50 cents, and 21 pieces of chicken cost $5.20.
The arrival of the famous fried chicken chain in Australia was met with enthusiasm, and it has since become an integral part of the community and economy. KFC has embraced Australian culture by partnering with local farmers and sporting teams. The brand has become so popular in Australia that its iconic buckets have been incorporated into national sports, such as cricket.
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KFC is a proud sponsor of Australian sports
KFC, or Kentucky Fried Chicken as it was originally called, first opened in Australia in 1968. The inaugural KFC was opened in Guildford, Sydney, by franchisee Bob Lapointe. At the time, a bucket of 15 pieces of chicken, gravy, and five rolls cost just $3.95.
Since then, KFC has become a proud sponsor of Australian sports, particularly cricket. KFC has been a sponsor of the Big Bash League since it started in 2011 and has been a partner of Cricket Australia for over 15 years. The fast-food brand is associated with the professional BBL Twenty20 cricket league by 21% of the population, with this number rising to 40% among cricket fans.
KFC's sponsorship of cricket in Australia includes TV ads, a Classic Catches competition, endorsements from commentators, and billboards at the grounds. The company also has naming rights for the KFC Big Bash Twenty20 competition and is the official fast-food restaurant of Australian cricket.
In addition to cricket, KFC also sponsors Victorian Champions League soccer, as well as rugby in Sydney and Grafton, NSW. The company runs community programs to encourage young people to be active and play sports, as well as eat KFC.
KFC's sponsorship of Australian sports is part of its overall marketing strategy, which has been very successful in associating the brand with major sporting events. The company spends $8 million a year on marketing and promotion tied to sports, and its sponsorship has led to high levels of brand recognition and association with cricket in Australia.
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The brand employs over 35,000 Australians
KFC's presence in Australia goes beyond its hundreds of stores across the country. The brand has become an integral part of the community and economy, employing more than 35,000 Australians. This figure represents a significant contribution to the nation's employment, with one in every 700 people in the country working for KFC.
The impact is even more pronounced when considering youth employment. KFC employs one in every 45 young people in Australia, providing job opportunities and a source of income for thousands of young Australians. The average age of employees is just 17, highlighting the brand's focus on creating opportunities for younger generations.
KFC's entry into the Australian market in 1968 marked the arrival of American-style fast food in the country. The brand quickly established itself, and its iconic buckets have become synonymous with the Australian love for fried chicken. The success of KFC in Australia can be attributed to its ability to embrace local culture and source local produce, solidifying its position as a beloved fixture in the Australian food landscape.
Over the years, KFC has woven itself into the fabric of Australian society. The brand has sponsored the Big Bash League since its inception in 2011 and has been a dedicated partner of Cricket Australia for 15 years. The "KFC Bucketheads" have become a famous addition to Australian cricket, showcasing the brand's deep integration into the country's sporting culture.
KFC's influence extends beyond its role as a quick meal option. The brand has become so intertwined with Australian culture that it has inspired a "KFC appreciation society" on the Gold Coast. This passion for KFC is not limited to its food; it has become a symbol of shared experiences and a source of community for its devoted fans.
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KFC's Australian menu has changed since 1968
KFC, or Kentucky Fried Chicken as it was called until 1991, first opened in Australia in 1968. Since then, it has grown to more than 640 stores nationwide, serving over two million customers every week.
The inaugural KFC opened in the suburb of Guildford in Sydney's west. Franchisee Bob Lapointe opened the store with a staff of just 25 people, serving Colonel Sanders' renowned fried chicken. At the time, a lunch pack with one piece of chicken and chips cost 45 cents, while a bucket of 15 pieces of chicken, gravy, and five rolls cost $3.95.
Over the years, KFC's Australian menu has evolved. While the classic fried chicken remains a staple, the chain has introduced new items to cater to local tastes and preferences. For example, in 2017, KFC Australia launched its "Zinger Chipster" burger, featuring a Zinger fillet topped with cheese, a hash brown, and a chip-based slaw. The burger was designed to combine two of Australia's favourite snacks: fried chicken and hot chips.
KFC Australia has also launched limited-time offerings, such as the "Chick'n'Chips Roll," a hybrid of a chicken burger and hot chips, and the "Hot Devil Wings," spicy chicken wings with a tangy sauce. In addition to these unique creations, KFC Australia has adapted its menu to include vegetarian and plant-based options, such as the "Imposter Burger," which features a meat-free patty made from vegetables and grains.
While the menu has evolved, KFC Australia remains committed to using locally sourced ingredients. The company sources its chicken, produce, and flour for buns and tortillas from Australian farmers. This commitment to local produce and community engagement, along with its ability to adapt its menu, has contributed to KFC's enduring popularity in Australia.
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Frequently asked questions
KFC, then known as Kentucky Fried Chicken, was founded in Australia on 27 April 1968.
The first KFC in Australia was located in the Sydney suburb of Guildford, in the west of the city.
The first KFC in Australia was owned by Canadian entrepreneur Bob Lapointe.
The first KFC in Australia had a staff of 25 people.
