Biggest American QSR chains set to join Australian conference lineup

Wendy's and Shake Shack will share their experience with the Australian consumer market.

Two of the biggest American fast-food brands are joining the upcoming QSR Media Conference & Awards 2026, powered by Red Bull this 12 October at the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park in Sydney, Australia, for a one-day event.

International chain Shake Shack, which has not yet formally launched in Australia but tested the waters this year with a pop-up at the Australian Open ahead of a planned Melbourne debut. The session will hear from the team behind the campaign on what it took to bring the brand to Australian audiences for the first time.

Meanwhile, Wendy's will also take the stage as the brand establishes it foothold in the market with three restaurants, with plans to open up to 15 drive-thrus over the next few years. The session will cover the brand's Australian launch, which reportedly broke global records for opening day and opening week sales, examining what the brand got right, what caught it off guard, and what it takes for a new brand entering the country.

Meanwhile, the QSR Media Awards 2026 will also take place during the conference, recognising achievement and innovation across Australia's quick-service restaurant industry.

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