A Coffee or cafe franchise is one of the go-to categories for many considering a small business in Australia.

Lockdowns and restricted trading conditions have clearly had a significant impact on coffee and cafe franchise owner businesses as we continue to emerge.

Ever wondered about what brands are making the biggest impact in 2023? 

We really love coffee in Australia. And as a result, we also love it as an option for getting into business too - that's why coffee franchises are often so popular.

But, as we've discovered, finding data on who's who, and their attributes amongst the swathe of coffee franchises, can be a challenge. You really need to understand the broader market of competition if you are considering investing in any coffee franchise.

We created this list to help make your research and decision making process easier. We'll update as the market changes, and as we get more information for you.

Coffee Franchise brand movements up and down the list for 2023!

The period between 2020 and early 2023 clearly covers a time when a lot happened right across the market. I think many coffee franchises were arguably more affected than many other businesses across the period. 

It is important to note that many of the outlets would have had significant exposure to the challenges of being shopping centre focused in their location strategies, given the unpredictable trading conditions for such an extended period.The trading and leasing challenges will have impacted heavily on many of these businesses, and there are still lingering overhangs from it.

As such, we have seen significant changes in outlet numbers for a large number of franchise brands from the previous list.

It was apparent seeing brands scramble throughout the period with adding online ordering options hand-in-glove with adjusted menu offerings that more appropriately suited that product distribution practically (delivery) and in unit economics. This would have been an incredibly challenging period for all involved navigating through it. 

The Coffee franchise challenge in 2023 and beyond...

The challenge that I see for many franchised coffee brands going forward, is effectively constructing and then articulating their compelling value proposition to the business opportunity seeker market. 

This is even more so the case for established brands who are being chased by hungry, modern challengers, and more nimble independents with lower barriers to entry and significantly more knowledge than ever before about how to open and operate their own little independent cafe. In a way that does not involve a need to tap into high traffic, higher costs, higher risk shopping centre locations.

These increasing number of small independent operators are getting very good at building a brand and community in social with very little cost, and stretching their menu offer for appeal and higher transaction value. As more potential franchise cafe owners see this, the more they inch away from a franchise option.

My thinking is that a non-innovating franchise brand that does not consistently look for ways to add value, and demonstrate that value-add, will find that the previous hefty weight of its well-known brand name, will not have the impact it used to in attracting investment for new locations.

It can be done for sure, but will legacy franchise coffee brands be bold enough and hungry enough to do it is the question…

The biggest movers up and down the list for 2023

Hungry Jack’s crashes the coffee market

This is by far the most significant move in the franchise coffee market of the last several years. In fact, of all the ‘biggest lists’ we do in franchising, this would have to be the most significant change in the pecking order of all of the last several years.

Hungry Jacks have rolled out barista coffee cafes across the entire network. Well not quite the entire network, as in our count on their site, of the 428 locations nationally, there are 32 of those locations that have not yet added a ‘Jack’s Cafe’ into their location.

CEO Chris Green was quoted in Beanscene magazine in mid 2022 saying 

“Typically, a project of this size would take five to seven years, however we’ve managed to achieve this roll-out in two years to bring better coffee to Australians faster, and prove the coffee is better at Hungry Jack’s.”

Yes, it does seem that this is quite a belated move into adding this onto their offer, in that their main rival McDonald’s did this literally decades ago. We noted in the previous Biggest fast Food list about Hungry Jacks, that many of the locations appeared aged, rundown and in need of refit. This at face-value, cannot be said for McDonald’s across the board. 

Perhaps this cafe add-on to the Hungry Jacks brand is an effective trigger to an extent for revitalisation of locations. 

Muffin Break and Zarraffa’s Coffee drop significantly

Given the exposure to shopping centre food courts on the whole, it is not all together surprising that the Muffin Break business has had reductions in network size. It is also apparent however that it also needs some bold decisions made with revitalising the brand and food offer. 

Of course such observations are subjective, however, it just feels like a stronger vision for the future is required. It may already be laid out - but it is just not obvious from the outside.

Given the size and previous market presence and strength of the brand, it is well and truly capable.

Zarraffa’s Coffee is a Queensland home-grown success story that was primed to take on the rest of the major capitals starting with Sydney then to Melbourne. This has just not eventuated, and covid can’t be blamed as the expansion had stagnated long before 2020. 

The move exclusively into drive thru is likely a very good one. This is given the unit economics in the potential of sales turnover, that can often more than triple that of a good shopping centre location with higher volume through extended trading hours, greater visibility and customer access convenience.

Again, the brand could well be priming for a lucrative drive thru national strategy, but time will tell in a highly competitive market for prime locations.

1. McDonald’s / McCafe - 1,034 Locations (March 2023) 

Compared to 1,000+ as at Oct 2020 

UP in locations (previous number was not accurate enough to determine the up / down exact #) 

(previously in 1st place)

The McDonald's McCafe concept started in Melbourne in 1993. Since then it has been adopted globally with great success. While challenging to pin point precise McCafe numbers, restaurant numbers are in excess of 1,000 in Australia, and a restaurant without a cafe, or at the least espresso coffee representation - you just don't find.

Additional Insights, March 2023

It’s interesting to note that McDonald’s hasn’t really progressed its McCafe offer very far. The entire menu offer is still pretty much the same that I can recall a long, long way back. The offer is pretty narrow and you know what you are going to get. They obviously keep their innovation and menu limited time offers primarily to their meal ranges. 

Surely they would have had inclination at times to consider widening it, especially when you see the transaction values at a place like Starbucks for more complicated and higher end beverages, particularly cold drinks. However, we have seen McDonald’s try to execute more tailored and complex menu items previously unsuccessfully (Create Your Taste Burgers), which seemed to fail operationally. So, possibly this reminds the brand to keep McCafe firmly in the standard offer lane.

I think the very clear marketing and operational push a little while ago now, about the improvement in their coffee production, has been successful. I think their coffee offer is very reliable and consistent and a strong offer.

• CEO = Antoni Martinez
• Headquarters located = Sydney, NSW
• Franchising Since = 1971 (first in Australia)
• Investment = $2mil (approx) 
• Initial Franchise fee = $60,000
• Ongoing Fees = 4% advertising fee & 5% royalty fee & monthly rental fixed base+
• Training = 12 months (min) (full time, unpaid)

Social Media Presence 

(First number is Oct 2020, second number is March 2023)

• facebook = 80,591,352 (global) followers | 82m (global) followers
• Instagram = 159K followers | 178k (AU) followers
• Twitter = 32.5k followers | 39.8K (AU) followers
• LinkedIn = 1,230,277 (global) followers | 1.85m (global) followers
• TikTok = 173.3k (AU) followers

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2. Hungry Jacks / Jack's Cafe - 416 Locations (March 2023)

Compared to 0 as at Oct 2020

UP in locations (obviously - previously did not rank in this list)

Additional insights in March 2023

This seemed like a no-brainer to enter the market with a cafe offer within its restaurants after their key competitor has had one for decades. Interestingly, Hungry Jack’s always seems to like to put a bit more of a twist into its menu offer, and seems a bit bolder as the challenger brand. Already in the Jack’s Cafe offer we see a little innovation in being able to add ‘Popping Pearls’ to cold drinks (like Bubble Tea).

The brand is also going pretty aggressive in promotional and customer retention strategy  to encourage trial with a Buy 4 Barista Coffees and Get 1 Free offer currently.

Adding in 400+ cafes in such a short period of two years is an amazing operational effort. The execution of the offer will take a little time to assess, as recall McCafe had some significant challenges in quality and delivery on the offer in early days.

Watch this space to see how this progresses, but I’d expect to see the brand be a bit bolder in menu offer as we go forward to entice trial and custom from McCafe.

• CEO = Chris Green
• Headquarters located = Sydney, NSW
• Franchising Since = 1971
• Investment = $2.6mil (approx) 
• Initial Franchise fee = TBA
• Ongoing Fees = TBA
• Training = TBA

Social Media Presence 

(First number is Oct 2020, second number is March 2023)

• Facebook = 659,824 followers | 659k followers
• Instagram = 69k followers | 70.9K followers
• Twitter = 13k followers | 13.3k followers
• LinkedIn = 20,593 followers | 22k followers
• Tik Tok = 26.4k followers

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3. The Coffee Club - 250 Locations (March 2023) 

Compared to 267 as at Oct 2020 

DOWN 17 locations (previously in 2nd place)

The Coffee Club has re-branded in recent years to refresh the concept that needed modernisation into the market. With a larger store size (kitchen and seating areas) than many of it's competitors, the business has always been strong in it's menu breadth and rotation of new items and celebrity backed promotions that are appropriate to it's target audience. Owned by Minor DKL Food Group.

Additional insights in March 2023

The Coffee Club brand growth checked for the period with some fall back in locations. However, given the broad menu offer and diverse location strategy for the brand, it was perhaps less impacted than it could have been compared to other much more heavily shopping centre focused franchise brands with narrower menu ranges. 

The brand is very clearly looking to highlight a focus on being part of the family and how seriously they take your consideration of becoming part of the family. 

I like this acknowledgement on their site “ We understand your livelihood is invested with us and that’s why we support you at every stage of your franchise journey including after store opening.” You don’t see that type of acknowledgement often like that.

They also make a key point on the importance of Innovation in their business, which is crucial for investing in a mature brand. Menu refinement on a trend focus, technology in ordering and App, and virtual brand offerings to expand revenue are addressed.  In fact, the three (3) key points they focus on in their franchise recruitment information is Innovation / Support / Success.

I took note of eight (8) different store formats they list that they have to offer a franchise owner depending on the location - which is a lot of options. Currently 20 available locations listed across the country for the brand.

And finally, the sign-off, I have never seen a call to action for a potential franchise partner that says “Enquire now & have breakfast with our team”, nice touch that hints to a family culture.

• CEO = Nick Bryden (of Group)
• Headquarters located = South Brisbane, QLD
• Franchising Since = 1998
• Investment = $450K - $750k
• Initial Franchise fee = Included in investment
• Ongoing Fees = 3% marketing fee & 6% royalty fee
• Training = 6 weeks

Social Media Presence 

(First number is Oct 2020, second number is March 2023)

• facebook = 104,290 followers | 104k followers
• Instagram = 18K followers | 36.2k followers
• Twitter = 244 followers | 254 followers
• LinkedIn = 1,636 followers |3,153 followers
• TikTok = 682 followers

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4. Donut King - 210 Locations (March 2023) 

 Compared to 250+ as at Oct 2020 

 DOWN 40+ locations (previously in 3rd place)

Still very much a go-to 'treat' option in the market, the brand has remained relatively strong in recent years, as other competitors shrunk further in comparison.

The brand's heavy focus on shopping centre locations has been both effective, and posed challenges. Going forward like many food retailers, managing rent costs will be even more important. Owned by Retail Food Group.

Additional insights in March 2023

The brand is heavily exposed to shopping centre locations, in particular in food courts, which would have caused significant issues unfortunately for franchise owners across the period. I do recall seeing (and filming) a stand alone store prototype some years ago now, and more recent talks of external locations, but have not seen evidence of a significant adjustment in strategy on that.

Currently, the brand is offering $20,000 off your franchise fee, and a further $10,000 in ‘coffee support’ (assuming product) for new franchise stores sold - not re-sale of existing stores.

Their franchise information page has a couple of videos of franchise partners in the business, long-term partners that have been in the business for 20+ years. One video highlights the first ‘new generation’ Donut King store design following a re-brand.

It is great to have a couple of nice videos telling the stories, however, there really is very little information available about the Donut King franchise opportunity. There are no FAQ’s, no timeline, no application process explained, there is very little ‘About Donut King’ at all. I would have expected greater transparency at that point rather than just a focus of a call to action to give your details to talk to a ‘franchisee specialist’. It’s an area the brand could improve.

• CEO = Andrew Badcock (National GM)
• Headquarters located = Southport, QLD
• Franchising Since = 1981
• Investment = $280K - $380K
• Initial Franchise fee = $50k
• Ongoing Fees = 3% marketing fee & 7% franchise service fee 
• Training = 4-5 weeks

Social Media Presence 

(First number is Oct 2020, second number is March 2023)

• facebook = 232,720 followers | 230k followers
• Instagram = 38.7k followers | 41k followers
• Twitter = 298 followers | 306 followers
• LinkedIn = 77 followers | 25 followers
• TikTok = 1,813 followers 

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5. Muffin Break - 179 Locations (March 2023) 

Compared to 210+ as at Oct 2020 

DOWN 31 locations (previously in 4th place)

Has carved a clear niche in it's market and embraces it's older demographic appeal. Of interest in it's expansion strategy, and exposing it to younger demographics, it also has an agreement with a children's play centre brand (CROCS), to place a cafe in every play centre that they open. Again, like others focused in shopping centres, going forward, managing rent costs will be important.The brand is owned by Foodco.

Additional insights in March 2023

Muffin Break is another brand that would have had to deal with a range of challenging issues through the last 3 years or so due to their heavy focus on shopping centres and food court style locations. 

While the brand website states 201 locations in Australia, that is also dated 4th Feb 2019 currently, and our analysis showed a number off their own store locator to be 179 Australian locations. It is not uncommon in many brands to often have the actual store number data not up to date.

Currently until 30 June 2023, the brand has a promotion for new franchise owners of a ‘$40,000 kick-start to your business to accelerate your growth.’ The brand explains on their site that this amount is effectively a ‘royalty credit fee’ credited to the franchisees account and is drawn down to pay franchise royalty fees until exhausted. This is a positive, proactive program that without doubt would help franchisees to establish their business in those important first stages of their business.

The brand has continued with its licensing arrangement of Muffin Breaks co-located within Croc’s Playcentre franchises, which is a win-win for both brands.

While there is more detail on the franchise opportunity in comparison to a brand like Donut King, the information is a little thin and some of it dated. The Training and Support overview is the most detailed, while information on Bank Financing, Cafe Formats and Network Expansion has little real detail.The animated 3D video of a store design is 6+ years old.

The brand presents two store format options of Kiosk or In-line store designs, and has a significant number of new locations available on its website suggesting a strong desire for growth.

• CEO = Serge Infanti (Group MD)
• Headquarters located = Sydney, NSW
• Franchising Since = 1998
• Investment = From $250K - $500k
• Initial Franchise fee = Included in investment
• Ongoing Fees = 3% marketing fee & 7% royalty
• Training = 4+ weeks

Social Media Presence 

(First number is Oct 2020, second number is March 2023)

• facebook = 210,660 followers | 208k followers
• Instagram = 5.5K followers | 6.9k followers
• Twitter = NA
• LinkedIn = 327 followers | 741 followers
• TikTok = 45 followers

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6. Gloria Jeans - 174 Locations (March 2023) 

 Compared to 200+ as at Oct 2020 

 DOWN 26+ locations (previously in 5th place)

After once having significantly higher location numbers, the brand has receded over recent years, yet still remains a key player in the market. A significant re-branding away from their nostalgic look of many years prior has arguably not helped the brand. It also appears that this re-brand has not been consistently adopted across the network. 

With a balance of stand-alone, and in shopping centre locations, rent management is again important going forward. Owned by Retail Food Group.

Additional insights in March 2023

Another business that had a significant and challenging shopping centre exposure through 2020 -2023, although not as significant as other brands as it did have an external location strategy as well. 

This brand is an interesting one as it hit significant heights several years ago, but at times from the outside looking in, it presented a little lost, or perhaps unloved once into the multi-brand owner, RFG stable. The RFG business had substantial issues and subsequent scrutiny on it for a sustained period for the 2 years before covid and no doubt this cumulative effect had an impact in the running and expansion of the business.

However, the brand reputation and market presence still has value. 

Drive-thru appears to be a strong focus of the business in expansion, as detail on its franchise opportunity pages highlights this, including a couple of nice videos on it. The volume upside potential of a drive-thru business is clearly very attractive compared to that even of a good > high traffic shopping centre.

The brand’ franchising website is one of the better sites in this list with a large amount of detail well laid out with good transparency. I would have expected the RFG blue-chip sister brand Donut King to have had a similar presentation of its value-proposition as well, especially given the importance of that brand to the RFG stable.

The only three (3) franchise locations listed available for sale on the website are drive-thru locations, which is a hint to the future of the brand clearly.

• CEO = Charmain Cheand & Megan Tan (MD)
• Headquarters located = Castlehill, NSW
• Franchising Since = 1979 (founded)
• Investment = $380K - $600K
• Initial Franchise fee = $50,000
• Ongoing Fees = 2% marketing fee & 6% royalty fee
• Training = 6+ weeks

Social Media Presence 

(First number is Oct 2020, second number is March 2023)

• facebook = 342,946 followers | 330k
• Instagram = 12.6K followers |16.9k
• Twitter = 7,246 followers | 71k followers
• LinkedIn = 2,838 followers |4,706 followers
• TikTok = 6,020 followers

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7. Soul Origin - 142 Locations (March 2023) 

Compared to 90 as at Oct 2020 

UP 52 locations (previously in 9th place)

A business with an on-trend, high energy feel with it's fresh food and coffee offer. Has an innovative fresh food production approach that removes a lot of food preparation work and time for the franchise owner and team. 

The kiosk approach to the locations keeps some construction costs down. The brand's heavy focus on shopping centre locations has been effective for a period of growth, and posed challenges more recently. Going forward like many food retailers, managing rent costs will be even more important. 

Additional insights in March 2023

In many ways, this result surprised me. It was very clear that Soul Origin had practically a business entirely focused on shopping centre food court style locations. Yet, it emerges from the challenges of 2020-2023 with significant growth on how it went in.

My feeling is that their central manufacturing facility that produces the vast majority of product you see in-store, and the fact that very little preparation is required to make the food sale ready, allowed the business to be agile and more responsive than other ‘traditional’ cafe offerings across the covid period.

Soul Origin does franchise recruitment very well. Their website is full of great information that no-doubt contributes to their enquiry volume resulting in more franchise store openings, as they are answering objections all along the way while being highly transparent.

They are very clear on their detailed process in applying for a franchise, and set expectations even before an enquiry is made on what is required of you as a franchise partner, and how they practically help and support you to grow your business. They are let down just a little by still promoting a franchise prospect information night as part of their franchise information page that was nearly 12 months ago by now. 

I’m not sure how that type of thing slips through, but it happens a lot more than people would think on brand websites.

Three (3) store formats are listed and available in Piccolo | Traditional and Bespoke store sizes.

• CEO = Adam Neill (COO)
• Headquarters located = Sydney, NSW
• Franchising Since = 2014
• Investment = $300K - $400K
• Initial Franchise fee = TBC
• Ongoing Fees = TBC marketing fee & 9% royalty fee
• Training = 6 weeks

Social Media Presence 

(First number is Oct 2020, second number is March 2023)

• facebook = 40,566 followers | 37.5k followers
• Instagram = 1.9K followers | 21.6k followers
• Twitter = NA
• LinkedIn = NA | 3k followers
• TikTok = 1,833 followers

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8. Xpresso Delight - 140+ Locations (uncertain) (March 2023) 

Compared to 100+ as at Oct 2020 

UP 41 locations (previously in 7th place)

A different addition to this list with it being a coffee vending machine business placed into workplaces. Designed to focus on franchise owner flexibility rather than having a fixed premises location, payment is per cup. The lowest cost franchise entry onto this list.

Additional insights in March 2023

The correct number of locations is quite uncertain as there is no listing of locations. An average summary of the number of locations mentioned on multiple franchise websites is what has been used.

This is an important business to have on this list, as it shows that there are other business model options in the coffee sector without the investment heavy fixed premises spend. 

The brand website is a thorough and well explained run down of the business and their value proposition in the market. The brand is equally strong on the franchise website about the value proposition to the end customer as well. The focus is on ‘coffee as a service’ with customers paying as they use, per cup on a subscription basis. 

• CEO = Stephen Spitz (Co-founder)
• Headquarters located = Gold Coast, QLD
• Franchising Since = 2003 (established)
• Investment = from $49,500
• Initial Franchise fee = TBC
• Ongoing Fees = Royalty per cup sold (15 cents)
• Training = 4 weeks initial

Social Media Presence 

(First number is Oct 2020, second number is March 2023)

• facebook = 688 followers | 157 followers
• Instagram = 29 followers | 35 followers
• Twitter = 86 followers | Nil followers
• LinkedIn = 190 followers | 21 followers
• TikTok = Nil

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9. Michel’s - 123 Locations (uncertain) (March 2023) 

Compared to 94+ as at Oct 2020 

UP 29 locations (previously in 10th place)

The business has very much receded from it's peak, where on some searches online recording 300+ locations still. ere are some of the information we gathered for your research.

The brand's heavy focus on shopping centre locations has been effective for a period, and posed challenges, as did additional competition for the concept. Going forward like many food retailers, managing rent costs will be even more important. Owned by Retail Food Group.

Additional insights in March 2023

The correct number of locations is another that is quite uncertain. The research to find the exact number of locations was difficult. The Michel’s Patisserie website states that they currently have 123 locations in Australia. Finding locations via key postcodes found a very small number of locations in a wide vicinity in metro locations, which suggests the 123 location count as questionable.

Another brand in RFG stable of brands. The website has good detail on it with a clear process and FAQ’s. The brand is innovating in a positive way partnering with MasterChef Matt Sinclair on a Gourmet Pie Range which is a good move for the brand to move it forward in the market.

Interestingly, I only just noticed that the ‘Patisserie’ has been dropped from ‘Michel’s Patisserie’!

• CEO = TBC
• Headquarters located = Southport, QLD
• Franchising Since = 1988 (commenced)
• Investment = $320K - $400K
• Initial Franchise fee = $50k
• Ongoing Fees = 3% marketing fee & 7% service fee
• Training = 4-5 weeks

Social Media Presence 

(First number is Oct 2020, second number is March 2023)

• facebook = 40,566 followers | 39.8k followers
• Instagram = 1.9K followers | 2k followers
• Twitter = Nil
• LinkedIn = Nil
• TikTok =  Nil

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10. Cafe2U - 110 Locations (March 2023) 

 Compared to 100 as at Oct 2020 

 UP 10 locations (previously in 8th place)

A mobile cafe business working a territory with coffee, specialty drinks and some snacks. Was highly prominent in the earliest years of the concept with fewer competitors, but it's success no doubt attracted many others. Numbers have receded from it's peak. Owned by Retail Food Group.

Additional insights in March 2023

Part of the RFG stable of brands, the website is like several others on this list from the company, with good detail and transparency. The detail is not thorough for Cafe2U, but I’d suggest enough for someone to decide to enquire. 

I am still uncertain how having a parallel mobile coffee brand ‘The Coffee Guy’ makes sense in having the two within the RFG business. Interestingly, providing an income guarantee for your first two weeks of business to assist in establishing it, I would have thought posed more questions than not offering one at all. 

• CEO = TBC 
• Headquarters located = Southport, QLD
• Franchising Since = 2000
• Investment = $130k+
• Initial Franchise fee = Included in investment
• Ongoing Fees = Fixed fees
• Training = 4 weeks

Social Media Presence 

(First number is Oct 2020, second number is March 2023)

• facebook = 5,527 followers | 5.5k followers
• Instagram = 294 followers | 453 followers
• Twitter = 1,493 followers | 226 followers
• LinkedIn = 194 followers | 10 followers
• TikTok = nil

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11. Jamaica Blue - 98 Locations (March 2023) 

Compared to 119 as at Oct 2020 

DOWN 21 locations (previously in 6th place)

This brand looks refreshed and back with a great look and feel to it. Looks a nice balance of coffee and fresh food, in a menu range that looks not too much and not too little.

Again, like others focused in shopping centres, going forward, managing rent costs will be important.The brand is owned by Foodco.

Additional insights in March 2023

Sister brand to Muffin Break, operated by FoodCo, the Jamaica Blue brand is also offering a kick start promotion. Currently until 30 June 2023, the brand has a promotion for new franchise owners of a ‘$40,000 kick-start to your business to accelerate your growth.’ (details explained in the Muffin Break entry).

It just feels that this brand gets that little more attention and focus within the business. Subtle things like an information graphic in this page to explain the all inclusive cost of the business, and the addition of videos to the franchise presentation pages.

Of three videos about the franchise on their pages however, two are 8 and 9 years old, and one is recent in the last year. 

The business offers both Inline and Kiosk store format options.

• CEO = Matthew Williams (GM) and Serge Infanti (Group MD)
• Headquarters located = Sydney, NSW
• Franchising Since = 1995
• Investment = $200K - $600K+
• Initial Franchise fee = Include in investment range
• Ongoing Fees = 3% marketing fee & 6% royalty fee
• Training = 6 weeks

Social Media Presence 

(First number is Oct 2020, second number is March 2023)

• facebook = 79,890 followers | 79k followers
• Instagram = 5.3K followers | 6.5k followers
• Twitter = Nil
• LinkedIn =  183 followers | 465 followers
• TikTok = Nil

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12. Zarraffa’s Coffee - 73 Locations (March 2023) 

Compared to 92 as at Oct 2020 

DOWN 19 locations (previously in 11th place)

We added an 11th as we think this is a brand to watch.

This brand is very much a QLD success story. The vast majority of its locations are still in QLD (84), with an effort to expand out of the state again now firmly in play. Both NSW and WA are active areas of interest for expansion currently.

The brands' drive-thru executions have been a key focus for the business, and many of the locations being taken are focused on this capability.

Additional insights in March 2023

The business was a high profile presence in QLD specifically for many years. From memory, the franchise had over 100 locations predominantly in Queensland, and was primed for interstate expansion. This growth on any scale has just not really occurred.

It is very clear that the brand has embarked on a drive-thru first focus in the business for some time. Talking to people within the brand some time ago, I do recall discussions of an amazement of the sales turn over of good drive thru businesses when compared to those within even large shopping centres. 

Indeed, in its FAQ’s, the brand states that it is now focused on its drive thru concept rather than fixed stores in a shopping centre environment.

This could explain unit number rationalisation to some extent when one drive-thru performs in sales the equivalent of 2 or 3 shopping centre locations as an example. This becomes harder with so many brands pushing for prime drive-thru sites amongst cafe and Quick Service Restaurants (QSR).

The franchise site has a good amount of detail on the offer. What stood out that I hadn’t seen before is a 1% ‘compliancy’ discount on its 8% franchise fees.

• CEO = Kenton Campbell (MD)
• Headquarters located = Eagleby, QLD
• Franchising Since = 1999
• Investment = From $750k (drive-thru)
• Initial Franchise fee = TBC
• Ongoing Fees = 3% marketing fee & 8% royalties
• Training = 10+ weeks

Social Media Presence 

(First number is Oct 2020, second number is March 2023)

• facebook = 47,658 followers | 51.3k followers
• Instagram = 9K followers | 11.7k followers
• Twitter = NA
• LinkedIn = 993 followers |1.6k followers
• TikTok = 40 followers

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Note: And of course, please contact the brands direct for the most up to date information, as while we've done our best to be as accurate as possible, we know some of this information can be a moving target at times unfortunately!