2025: Australia's Year in Review
We reflect on the highs and lows of the Asian multi-site restaurant industry over the past twelve months.
From Wendy’s opening its first Australian outlet to Zarraffa’s Coffee aiming for 200 cafes before the Brisbane Olympics, the QSR sector has seen major milestones, leadership changes, and ambitious expansions.
As 2025 draws to a close, we revisit the year’s major developments in market growth and innovation, highlighting trends shaping the future of quick-service dining across the region.
Market debuts and regional expansion
QSR brands are expanding their footprints, entering new markets, and exploring international growth opportunities.
- SpudBAR keeps growth focus on Australia despite overseas interest
- FoodCo expands into hospitals and airports
- Auntie Anne’s targets Australia’s transport hubs
- Piccolo Me enters Lebanon, eyes Middle East growth
- Gong cha eyes small Aussie towns
- Tam Jai uses Australia as launchpad to Western markets
- Banjo’s Bakery Cafe bets on global doughnut rush
- Co-brand model accelerates Boxx Brands’ Cinnabon rollout
- El Jannah eyes up to 200 outlets in bold national growth plan
- Kopi Kenangan debuts in Australia
- Firehouse Subs to launch in Australia
- Zarraffa’s Coffee targets over 200 cafes before Brisbane Olympics in 2032
- Tyra Banks' ice cream shop debuts in Sydney
- Wendy’s opens first restaurant in Australia
Menu innovations and marketing strategies
Restaurants are updating menus and campaigns to attract consumers and reflect local tastes.
- Fast-food chains revise menus as more Gen Zers dine out
- Pappa Flock goes on TikTok to create buzz
- Chatime bets on coffee to attract older Millennials
- Oliver’s targets families with flagship Feel-Good Meal
- KFC Australia rolls out its new Zinger Bánh Mì nationwide
- Gong cha Australia unveils new, smaller pearl sinkers
- Macca’s makes matcha a permanent menu item
- Greek chain The Yiros Shop enters fried chicken market
- Oporto unveils Liam Gallagher-inspired meditation to tackle ‘hanger’
- Chatime, Red Bull team up for 'Stay Peachy' bubble tea
- KFC Australia unveils ‘world-first’ KFC vending machine for new menu launch
Brand reinvention and store makeovers
QSRs are revamping identities and redesigning stores to stay competitive and appeal to modern consumers.
- Wendy’s bets on bold new look as competition heats up in Australia
- Pappa Flock taps custom restaurant, crew training to scale
- Ribs & Burgers redesigns to elevate brand in crowded market
- TGI Fridays unveils renovated Melbourne Central site
- Gloria Jean’s unveils new design, branding
- The Coffee Club unveils new brand identity
- Auntie Anne’s rolls out new store design to attract younger consumers
- Chatime reopens in Westfield Carousel with new look
Leadership shake-ups
Executive transitions are reshaping strategic directions across major QSR brands.
- The Coffee Club CEO takes a bow
- RASHAYS taps new CFO for international expansion ambitions
- Meet the new CEO of Mad Mex
- Oliver’s overhauls leadership as same-store sales rise
- Craveable Brands CEO resigns
- Retail Food Group CEO resigns
- El Jannah taps Craig Tozer as new COO
- Phil Reed resigns as President of Flynn ANZ
- Domino’s ANZ CEO Kerri Hayman to step down in August
- KFC Australia’s COO resigns
- Chris Brown resigns as Macca’s CMO
Corporate moves and strategic deals
Mergers, acquisitions, and franchise agreements are reshaping the competitive landscape.
- Il Locale Pizza eyes $2m funding to train chefs, fuel franchise growth
- Sushi Izu goes solo
- Domino’s signs long-term marketing deal with IVE Group after Impressu acquisition
- Retail Food Group announces divestment of Brumby’s Bakery
- Dr Dough Donuts sold to F&B manufacturer Bob & Pete’s
- Retail Food Group to close Michel’s Patisserie
- KFC, Taco Bell operator receives takeover offer
This year also saw the top restaurant brands lauded for their outstanding initiatives at the QSR Media Conference & Awards 2025.
