2023: Year in Review
We look back at the highs and lows of the Australian multi-site restaurant industry these past twelve months.
From major deals, new concepts, expansions, and more AI in the industry, we take a look back on the top stories of the quick-service and fast-casual restaurant industry.
Debuts and international expansions
New brands are coming in whilst many Aussie brands are eyeing to a stab at an international debut.
- Nautical Bowls explains in six words how it plans to beat the competition
- Why convenient on-the-go food trends will drive Jamba’s growth in Australia
- Wendy’s prepares for Australia launch with search for new brand launch manager
- Toby’s Estate opens contactless coffee shop in Kuwait
- Here’s what you need to know about Marrybrown
- Here’s why Aussie brand Jamaica Blue is challenging Middle East’s coffee market
- US vegan burger joint Mr. Charlie to come to Australia
- Chatime’s market leadership continues with expansion
AI and digital trends take hold
Digitalisation continues to be a necessity whilst AI and machine learning are now being leveraged as a way to differentiate themselves from competitors and to enhance services
- Why digital-led strategies are vital to Baskin-Robbins' growth
- Can fast-food restaurants become 100% digital?
- What QSR leaders think of the use of AI in the fast-food industry
- Bobaboba plans expansion through robotic machines on campus
- Why KFC is building the ‘restaurant of the future’
- Australia’s next coffee craving could be delivered by drone
Price pressures
As cost of living affects consumers discretionary spending, QSRs had to great creative with how they present value, from investing in loyalty programmes, meal deals, and focusing on snacking segment.
- The one mistake Gami Chicken caught in its menu pricing
- Restaurants need to adjust as workplace flexibility changes consumption patterns
- FISHBOWL enters budget meal battle with food boxes
- Adapting to the cost of living crisis: How Burgertory is revamping its menu to provide more value
- Taco Bell unveils budget burrito for $5
- 62% of Australian consumers desire more discounts as cost crunch bites: study
Mergers and acquisitions
One of the biggest news of the year is how Flynn acquired Pizza Hut Australia, marking the group's first international foray. Meanwhile, other groups have acquired or consolidated their brand portfolios.
- Inside Flynn’s Pizza Hut acquisition
- Retail Food Group acquires Beefy’s Pies for $10m
- Japanese parent snaps up 7-Eleven Australia franchise
- PAG acquires F&B business Australian Venue Co from KKR
- Subway sale to set focus on international expansion
- Why Vegan Food Hub is raising funds through public crowd funding to grow its QSR brands
- Minor International acquires Sizzler for $23.38m
- Craveable Brands puts Chargrill Charlie’s under its wing
Leadership shake-ups
From Mexican brand Guzman y Gomez leadership changes to the Retail Food Group's new CEO, here are the top leadership changes in the year.
- Meet the new CEO of Retail Food Group
- GYG names new co-CEO
- Roll’d co-founder Raymond Esquieres named CEO
- How Domino's COO Kerri Hayman carved her own path in the pizza business
- Meet The Cheesecake Shop's new CIO
- GYG taps Erik du Plessis as new CFO
- Mad Mex announces succession plan, names new CEO
- Collins Foods names new CFO
More new formats
As consumption behaviour changes, some QSRs have started to take a look at their restaurants and outlets and creating new formats.
- What’s on the menu in McDonald’s spin-off brand CosMc
- Why San Churro believes there’s a big opportunity in a smaller format
- How Slim’s Quality Burger plans to win the breakfast daypart with its drive-in model
Unique marketing activations
From brand collaboration, to new merch, and bringing movie scenes to life, restaurant chains go above and beyond to show their creativity.
- How Grill’d built Barbie’s real-life ‘dreamhouse’
- Subway releases mini film for ‘Cookiemas’ campaign
- Red Rooster releases summer swimwear merch
- Pizza Hut unveils new Supercar designed by 10-year-old school girl
- Macca’s and Crocs announces first collaboration
- Huxtaburger partners with Audio Technica to launch new Japanese-inspired burgers
- KFC partners with Luude to open a nightclub
- McDonald’s to launch ‘fry-thru’
