10 Famous Largest Profitable Chicken Franchises in Australia
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The Australian food market is projected to continue its growth in 2023, but competition among food franchise businesses is fierce and can lead to changes in rankings.
Despite this, the top brands remain consistent, highlighting that the most successful food franchises maintain stability and dominance in the Australian market.
The food franchise industry is highly competitive, requiring significant effort, skill, and knowledge from business owners to succeed.
According to IBISWorld’s Fast Food and Takeaway Food Services in Australia Industry Report, chicken-based products make up 18.4% of the $20.1 billion fast-food industry, making it the second largest product market in the country.
However, there is always a constant demand for new food franchise concepts, creating new business opportunities.
The Food market in Australia is a significant contributor to the country’s economy, with an estimated revenue of US$87.68 billion in 2023.
The market is expected to grow in the coming years, with a projected annual growth rate of 4.16% (CAGR 2023-2027). (Source: Statista)
This growth is driven by various factors, such as rising disposable income, urbanisation, and changing consumer preferences.
The market’s largest segment is Meat, estimated to have a market volume of US$17.79 billion in 2023. (Source: Statista)
This segment includes various types of meat products, such as chicken, pork, and poultry, in high demand in the country.
For those new to the industry and looking to invest in a Chicken franchise in Australia, choosing an affordable franchise with a well-known brand name, several years of experience in the market, and a track record of successful franchise units is recommended.
We have curated a list of the Famous Largest Chicken Franchises in Australia.
These franchises have been in the market for many years and have established a strong brand presence and reputation.
They offer a variety of chicken-based products, such as fried chicken, chicken burgers, and chicken wraps.
They have several operating units across the country and have a proven track record of success.
Number of Franchises: 712
Headquarters: Louisville, Kentucky, United States
Founded in: 1952
Franchise Cost: $255,600 – $3,163,550
KFC is a well-known fast-food chain and a Famous Restaurant Franchise in Australia that specialises in fried chicken.
The brand also happens to be one of the Known Australian Burger Franchises.
It is a subsidiary of YUM! Brands also operate Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and Habit Burger. KFC has a global presence with 24,000 restaurants worldwide.
In Australia, KFC operates 50 restaurants across the country, many of which are owned and operated by franchisees with large blocks of restaurants in specific regions.
However, some of the locations have been criticised for appearing tired and in need of revitalisation.
Despite this, KFC has been very successful in marketing campaigns at a national level.
The brand has been highly active and visible through its promotions with principal sports codes, giving it a disproportionately high profile.
Number of Franchises: 360+
Headquarters: Chatswood, Australia
Founded in: 1972
Franchise Cost: $400,600 – $800,000 (Source: Red Rooster)
Red Rooster is an Australian fast-food chain established in 1972, known for its roast chicken, chicken burgers, and fried chicken.
Their menu includes whole roasts, half roasts, wraps, burgers, salads, drinks, and desserts.
As of 2012, the company has over 360 Red Rooster stores across all states and territories of Australia, except Tasmania. (Source: Wikipedia)
Red Rooster, which Craveable Brands own, has introduced a series of new store designs that incorporate state-of-the-art technology and ordering systems.
These designs are intended to modernise the chain’s overall aesthetic while still paying homage to Red Rooster’s distinct Australian heritage.
The new design features include digital menu boards, self-ordering kiosks, and mobile ordering capabilities.
These new designs are intended to enhance the customer experience by making it more convenient and efficient for customers to place their orders.
Red Rooster Delivery service is available in the nearby suburbs of Castle Hill and Bella Vista in Sydney’s North West.
They also announced delivery options to businesses, sports clubs, and local organisations.
Number of Franchises: 57+
Headquarters: Perth, Australia
Founded in: 1976
Franchise Cost: $350,00-$650,000 (Source: Chicken treat)
Chicken Treat is a fast-food restaurant chain company based out of Peth.
The franchise specialises in chicken-based dishes such as rotisserie chicken, fried chicken, chicken rolls, burgers, and wraps.
The company was founded in Western Australia in 1976 and has since expanded to over 60 stores across Western Australia and Queensland.
As a franchise, Chicken Treat has a set protocol for how franchise agreements are carried out.
This protocol includes specific processes that must be followed and certain information that potential franchisees must provide.
The information can include financial information, business experience, and a detailed business plan outlining how the franchise will operate and be successful.
Additionally, there may be specific requirements for the franchise’s location, such as being in a high-traffic area or meeting particular zoning regulations.
Overall, the franchising agreement process ensures that both the franchisor and the franchisee can succeed in their business venture together.
Number of Franchises: 180+
Headquarters: St Leonards, Australia
Founded in: 1986
Franchise Cost: $350,000 – $700,000 (Source: Oporto)
Oporto is a fast-food chain known for popularising the Bondi burger, a grilled chicken sandwich typically served with lettuce, cheese, and a special sauce.
The chain is owned by Craveable Brands, a parent company that operates several chicken franchises.
The brand is known for its traditional Portuguese flavours, which are infused into many of its menu items.
Oporto has launched a full-scale update, revitalising its storefronts and training programs to enhance the customer experience.
According to the customer experience manager, Michelle Draper, “We can certainly aid the process of personality development by giving employees the tools and knowledge to be able to engage with customers in a meaningful way.”
This new approach to customer service is expected to drive future growth and expansion for the chain.
Number of Franchises: 300+
Headquarters: Johannesburg, South Africa
Founded in: 1987
Franchise Cost: $950,000 – $1,000,0000 (Source: Home Loan Expert)
Nando’s is a well-known fast-casual chain specialising in flame-grilled peri-peri style chicken.
The company was founded in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 1987 and has since expanded to over 1,200 outlets in 30 countries worldwide. (Source: Wikipedia)
Nando’s has been present in Australia since 1990, when the first restaurant opened in Tuart Hill, Western Australia.
In Australia, Nando’s has become a beloved restaurant chain known for its delicious peri-peri chicken, casual dining atmosphere, and vibrant African-Portuguese-themed decor.
The menu at Nando’s includes a variety of chicken dishes, salads, sides, and desserts. They also offer a selection of vegetarian and vegan options.
Nando prides itself on its commitment to using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients and providing customers with a fun and engaging dining experience. (Source: Wikipedia)
The company also actively supports local communities through charitable donations and community outreach programs.
Number of Franchises: 6
Headquarters: New South Wales, Australia
Founded in: 2014
Franchise Cost: $100,000 (Source: QSR Media)
Belles Hot Chicken is a popular Nashville-style hot chicken restaurant founded in 2014.
The restaurant has quickly become a hit with locals and tourists alike.
The menu includes a variety of heat levels, ranging from “Southern” to “Reaper”, allowing customers to choose the level of spiciness that suits their taste buds.
In addition to the classic fried chicken, the menu includes sandwiches, tenders, and sides such as macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, and collard greens.
Belles Hot Chicken’s Australian location has received positive reviews for its authentic Nashville-style hot chicken and friendly service.
Belles is a successful restaurant chain with six locations in Melbourne and Sydney.
The company has a solid business model built on a foundation of hard work, a focus on providing a fun dining experience, and a menu that features high-quality hot chicken and natural wine.
The company is well-positioned for continued growth and expansion in the future.
Number of Franchises: 14
Headquarters: Sydney Olympic Park, New South Wales, Australia
Founded in: 1998
Franchise Cost: $1,000,000 – $1,700,000 (Source: Eljannah)
Founded by Andre and Carole Estephan, the first El Jannah store opened in the Sydney suburb of Granville in 1998.
Since then, the restaurant has become a beloved institution in Sydney and has gained a cult following among locals.
The restaurant’s popularity led to its expansion to twelve outlets across the Sydney metropolitan area, as well as in the Sydney CBD and Macarthur. (Source: Wikipedia)
The menu features a variety of traditional Lebanese dishes, with its main menu item of charcoal Lebanese-style chicken and its garlic sauce or toum being the most popular among customers. (Source: Wikipedia)
The company, owned and run by a family, has begun a new phase of expansion.
At the beginning of 2020, the CEO, Brett Houldin, joined the business and assembled a skilled group of experts from the industry to help expand the El Jannah store network. (Source: Eljannah)
Number of Franchises: 35+
Headquarters: Florida, United States
Founded in: 1972
Franchise Cost: $109,500 – $3,545,800
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen is a US-based fast-food chain specialising in fried chicken. Established in 1972 in Louisiana and headquartered in Miami, it is now a Toronto-based Restaurant Brands International subsidiary.
Most of these locations are franchise-owned, with only about 50 being company-owned.
The chain has 3,705 restaurants in over 46 states, the District of Puerto Rico, Columbia, and 30 countries worldwide.
Popeyes offers a variety of chicken dishes with mild and spicy flavours, such as Cajun fries, red beans, and rice, mashed potatoes with Cajun-style gravy, macaroni & cheese, Cajun rice, coleslaw, and biscuits.
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen also serves seafood options like shrimp and catfish. The company announced plans to introduce a trans-fat-free biscuit and fries with 1 gram of trans fat.
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen released a Fried Turducken sandwich, and in 2013 they started offering fried chicken strips in waffle batter. (Source: Wikipedia)
Number of Franchises: 110
Headquarters: Texas, United States
Founded in: 1994
Franchise Cost: $315,310 – $948,080 (Source: Wingstop)
Wingstop Inc., a company established in 1994 and based in Dallas, Texas, manages and franchises over 1,000 locations in various countries. (Source: PR News)
Wingstop is a famous American chain of restaurants that focuses on chicken wings and follows the 1930s-1940s aviation themes.
Wingstop is known for its variety of chicken wing flavours, including plain, Garlic Parmesan, Hawaiian, Mild, Lemon Pepper, Hickory Smoked BBQ, Original Hot, Atomic, Cajun, Mango Habanero, Louisiana Rub, and Spicy Korean.
They also serve chicken sandwiches, boneless wings, and chicken tenders with different dips and sides. The restaurant chain also introduced chicken sandwiches in the same flavours. (Source: Wikipedia)
Wingstop expanded globally in 2010, starting with its first international location in Mexico.
The chain now operates in nine countries. In the US, Wingstop experienced significant growth, ranking as the third-fastest restaurant chain by both sales and unit growth. (Source: Wikipedia)
Number of Franchises: 20
Headquarters: Melbourne, Australia
Founded in: 1999
Franchise Cost: $400,000 – $650,000 (Source: Nene Chicken)
Nene Chicken is a South Korean fried chicken franchise that has taken Australia by storm.
With over 10 locations across the country, Nene Chicken offers a unique and mouth-watering twist on classic fried chicken.
Their signature dish, the Snowing Cheese Chicken, is a must-try for anyone looking to indulge in some seriously cheesy goodness.
And if spicy food is more your thing, their Freaking Hot Chicken will definitely set your taste buds on fire.
Not only does Nene Chicken offer delicious food, but they also provide a fun and lively atmosphere that’s perfect for hanging out with friends or enjoying a casual dinner with family.
So if you’re looking for some finger-licking good fried chicken down under, Nene Chicken is definitely worth checking out!
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