Let’s fast-forward to 2026.
The Aussie burger game isn’t simply about speed anymore—it’s all about quality, and Grill’d is right at the heart of the change.
For over two decades, they’ve been proving that a healthy burger isn’t just a dream.
After the pandemic, Grill’d really focused on convenience, popping up everywhere from high-street spots to drive-thrus and even landing its products on supermarket shelves nationwide.
The Grill’d Difference: Burgers from a Better Place
While the big global chains are still racing for speed, Grill’d has stuck to its guns with its famous ‘Paddock to Plate’ promise.
We’re talking 100% grass-fed Aussie beef, RSPCA-approved chicken, and a serious devotion to plant-based options, thanks to partnerships with Impossible and Fable. No wonder health-conscious Gen Z and Millennials have jumped on board.
CEO Insight: Simon Crowe, Founder of Grill’d
“Our mission started with a single frustration: the lack of a decent, healthy burger in Australia. In 2026, we are taking that mission further. Whether it’s through our new drive-thru formats or our partnership with Coles, we are making ‘Burgers from a Better Place’ accessible to every Australian, without ever compromising on our nutritional value..” (Source: Titanium Property Strategy Review)
Grill’d’s Growth Pathway: Strategic Expansion & Retail Disruption
In 2025 and 2026, Grill’d’s growth strategy has transformed the brand far beyond simply adding locations.
- In late 2025, Grill’d entered the FMCG sector through an exclusive partnership with Coles. This move let them launch burger patties and the popular Oscar Piastri Wagyu Burger packs for retail, reaching the fast-growing at-home dining market (Source: Mediaweek).
- Seeing the potential in the $620 billion global drive-thru market, Grill’d launched its ‘Fast-Casual Drive-Thru’ model. Distinguished achievements include opening drive-thru locations at Marriott Waters in Victoria and Wanneroo in Western Australia. These sites use an improved system that halves transaction times while keeping food fresh and made to order (Source: Marriott Waters SC).
- Signature Flagships: The brand continues to anchor itself in premium precincts, Grill’d continues to concentrate on top locations, recently opening its Barangaroo By the Harbour site to attract Sydney’s returning corporate and tourist crowds (Source: International Towers). For its Local Matters program, a community-first initiative that has donated over $7 million to local groups since its inception. This isn’t just charity; it is a powerful customer retention tool.
- Most of Grill’d’s staff are students, and the company intends to be a top choice for first jobs. It focuses on teaching leadership and people skills that go beyond typical hospitality training (Source: Grill’d Own a Restaurant).
- In 2026, Grill’d introduced a custom app system worth $450,000. The app includes AI-powered ‘Relish’ rewards, real-time order tracking, and a digital version of the Local Matters voting system (Source: Appinventiv Tech Analysis 2026).
Franchise Investment Snapshot – Grill’d (2026)
Feature | Details |
Initial Investment | $555,590 – $885,700 + GST (Turn-key operation) |
Liquid Capital Required | Minimum $546,000 + GST |
Operational Support | Sophisticated stock management, online training, & “Mystery Shop” audits |
Agreement Term | 5-year initial term (10-year commitment preferred) |
Multi-Site Opportunity | Available for proven operators after initial store performance |
Why Investors Are Choosing Grill’d in 2026
Why are investors choosing Grill’d in 2026?
It’s simple—Grill’d offers investors stability and growth prospects. The brand appeals to Australians seeking quality fast food at accessible prices, ensuring strong demand. Grill’d’s market position as ‘affordable luxury’ helps drive consistent returns.
Additionally, by entering Coles stores and expanding drive-thrus, franchisees benefit from increased revenue opportunities and broader customer reach, creating more ways to grow profits and succeed as partners with Grill’d.
Grill’d plans to open 55 new stores over the next three years, despite economic ups and downs.
This year, Grill’d is launching high-tech drive-thrus and campus-based locations to drive even more growth.
To keep your updates current, here are Grill’s sites opening in 2026.
2026 Expansion Victoria is still Grill’d’s heartland, with nearly a third of all its Aussie locations calling it home, making up 32% of all its locations across Australia.
Grill’s locations in Victoria – 2026:
- Monash University (Clayton), VIC: Set to open mid-2026, this campus spot is all about serving students and staff, and it’ll be the testing ground for Grill’d’s speedy, app-based ordering.
- South Geelong Drive-Thru, VIC: Opened in February 2026 at 2-4 Fyans Street, this is Grill’d’s sixth drive-thru in Australia. It’s perfectly placed for the 58,000 daily commuters and footy fans heading to GMHBA Stadium.
- Swanston St (Mega-Restaurant), VIC: Opened early 2026, this flagship is a multi-level basement in Melbourne’s CBD, transforming a historic site into a buzzing hub for city workers and tourists alike.
Grill’s locations in Western Australia, Queensland and NSW- 2026: The Drive-Thru Frontier
- Wanneroo Drive-Wanneroo Drive-Thru, WA: Opened late 2025 or early 2026, this is WA’s very first Grill’d drive-thru and will double as the training ground for all the new drive-thrus coming to the west later this year: The Premium Corridor
- Barangaroo, NSW: Now fully up and running in 2026. It opened its doors late last year, but this is its first full year as Grill’d’s flagship on the Sydney harbourfront, drawing in the corporate lunch crowd.
- Brisbane Growth Corridors: Grill’d has its eye on three more spots in Brisbane’s northern suburbs, keeping pace with the area’s booming population.
Strategic Insight for Monkish Readers
What’s clear from the 2026 rollout is that Grill’d is shifting gears—moving away from mall-based dine-ins and zeroing in on high-traffic transit spots.
If you’re a new franchisee, the smart money is on drive-thrus or those bustling CBD basement locations.
The “55-Store” Plot: Grill’d plans to add 30 new stores over the next two years, followed by 25 stores annually thereafter (Source: SMH/The Age, 2026).
By consolidating updates from Barangaroo, Coburg, and WA drive-thrus into this main profile, you mirror Grill’d’s approach—creating a unified, convenient brand that stays devoted to health.
