Franchise Spotlight: Food
Franchising has propelled the global success of many food franchises, including Australian-born brands.
From sandwich shops to restaurants and mobile caterers, there’s no shortage of food franchise opportunities.
And our analysis reveals that aspiring food franchisees often don’t need previous experience in related sectors, with business acumen, physical fitness and character typically assessed instead.
Australia has numerous home-grown casual dining chains, including the Aussie-themed Outback Jack’s Bar & Grill, American-style chain Lonestar Rib House, sports bar and grill Sporting Globe, pan-Asian eatery Motto Motto and plant-based chain Soul Burger.
Franchise industry trends
Franchisors reduce franchisees’ workload by taking care of fit-outs, branding, marketing and menus, and preparing many menu items off-site before distributing daily to franchisees.
These benefits underpin a high industry growth rate and national and sometimes international franchise expansion, with the resulting purchasing power offering scope for comparatively low prices.
In no sector is this truer than fast food, with franchising having powered the global success of Mcdonald’s, Burger King (Hungry Jack’s in Australia) and Subway. Australian-born fast food chains include sandwich specialist DannyBoys, chicken franchise Red Rooster and pizza restaurant CRUST.
As for baked goods, there’s Michel’s Patisserie and Goldsteins Bakery and Pie Shop, while Ben & Jerry’s ‘Scoop Shops’, ‘Belgian chocolate cafe’ Oliver Brown and Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt cater to sweet-toothed Australians.
Meanwhile, thriving beverage-focused franchises include The Smoothie Factory, bubble tea specialist The Little Cha and Gloria Jean’s Coffees.
The business model of van-based caterers Kombi Keg and Cafe2U, and catering services franchise Kubarz, is good news for anyone seeking low overheads and flexible working hours.
Other franchises with unique selling points include cafe and kids play centre combo Lollipop’s and drive-through coffee chain Muzz Buzz.
Finally, convenience store giants such as IGA, 7-Eleven and SPAR offer the opportunity to trade under globally recognized brands with access to low cost own-brand ranges, with otherwise little interference in how store owners run their businesses.