El Jannah — the cult-favourite charcoal chicken brand from Western Sydney — is taking its iconic flavours nationwide.
After more than two decades of success, the Aussie-born brand is rolling out a major franchise expansion across the country. With authentic food, smart tech, and proven profitability, El Jannah is one of Australia’s most exciting fast-food franchise opportunities in 2025.
Founded in 1998 by Andre and Carole Estephan, El Jannah started as a small family restaurant in Granville, serving Lebanese-style charcoal chicken, garlic sauce (toum), and pita bread. Word spread fast — and queues outside the shop became legendary.
Today, El Jannah is led by CEO Brett Houldin, who has transformed the Western Sydney staple into a national QSR powerhouse.
“We’ve built something truly special,” says Houldin. “El Jannah combines authentic flavour with innovation — and that’s exactly what Aussie customers want.”
El Jannah has reached a major milestone with the opening of its 50th store in Belmont, Geelong — marking a significant step in the brand’s national expansion.
El Jannah currently operates across NSW, Victoria, and the ACT, with plans to open in Queensland and South Australia next.
The company’s goal: 200 stores nationwide by 2027 — with a focus on high-traffic drive-through sites and busy suburban food hubs.
El Jannah has seen strong growth over the past five years, evolving from a regional favourite to a national QSR contender.
With smart supply-chain control and technology-driven marketing, El Jannah continues to deliver strong same-store sales and healthy profit margins, making it one of Australia’s most lucrative fast-food franchises.
El Jannah’s menu is built on authenticity — real charcoal chicken, fresh bread, pickles, and that famous garlic sauce — but its business model is driven by innovation.
Recent upgrades include:
A new digital ordering and loyalty app improving convenience and repeat visits.
AI-powered customer insights to personalise offers and boost engagement.
Centralised CRM and marketing systems powered by Salesforce for consistent communication and brand control.
This mix of tradition and technology is helping El Jannah build stronger customer relationships and smarter operations — a massive plus for franchisees and investors seeking a forward-thinking fast-food brand.
El Jannah’s journey from a single Sydney store to a national powerhouse showcases the strength of its brand, leadership, and loyal customer base. Backed by AI-driven marketing, efficient supply-chain control, and a proven franchise model, the company is on track for sustained national growth.
Its recent wins at the QSR Media Awards 2025 — including Multi-Site Restaurant of the Year, Best Customer Experience, and the Rising Star Award — reinforce El Jannah’s reputation for quality, innovation, and excellence in the Australian quick-service restaurant industry.
As the brand continues expanding across the country, El Jannah stands as one of Australia’s most exciting and award-winning fast-food franchise opportunities.
(sources: QSR Media, AFR)
