Australia’s fast food and quick service restaurant (QSR) industry is thriving. In 2025, it’s valued at around AUD 29.7 billion and continues to grow at about 2.6% annually (IBIS World).
This growth is being driven by rising disposable incomes, busy urban lifestyles, and strong demand for convenient, healthy and affordable meals. Advances in digital ordering, food delivery apps, and competition between local and global brands are also fuelling the sector.
The fried chicken fast food category is particularly vibrant, featuring leading franchises such as KFC, Chick-fil-A, Popeyes, and Wingstop. Also, local standouts like Country Fried Chicken (CFC) . CFC is well known for its non-greasy chicken cooked in cholesterol-free cottonseed oil. (CFC)
These brands attract customers with varied menus, healthier options, and quick service. As a result, chicken has secured its place as the most popular fast-food protein in Australia.
With this in mind, let’s look at the top fried chicken franchises operating across the country.
KFC runs about 789 locations across Australia. New South Wales leads with 250 restaurants, followed by Victoria (211) and Queensland (176). The chain is a cornerstone of Australia’s fast food market, generating more than AUD 1.1 billion in revenue in 2024 (Statista).
The average KFC restaurant turns over about AUD 4 million a year, boosted by steady growth in delivery sales and larger order sizes.
In 2024/2025, KFC added nine more restaurants, continuing its push to strengthen its footprint in both city centres and regional towns.
The brand enjoys strong customer loyalty and visibility through major national marketing campaigns and community engagement initiatives.
Red Rooster operates around 325 stores nationwide as of mid-2025, making it one of the big names in Australia’s fried and roast chicken market. Queensland has the biggest share, with 120 stores — about 37% of the chain’s footprint.
The menu includes roast & fried chicken, burgers, wraps, and family meals. It offers Australians plenty of choice for both quick service and dine-in meals.
Red Rooster is modernising its outlets and pushing harder into delivery services. It’s teamed up with major platforms like Uber Eats and DoorDash, making it easier for customers to order from home.
The brand is also focusing on menu innovation and customer experience improvement to stay competitive and win back market share.
Nando’s is known for its flame-grilled peri-peri chicken. It has been part of the Aussie market since 1990 and continues to grow steadily. It’s also popular for its fresh ingredients, spicy marinades, and a casual dining experience.
The chain has over 140 restaurants nationwide. Victoria leads with 56 outlets, making up about 39% of its footprint.
In 2025, Nando’s Australia reported AUD 285 million in revenue. The brand also employs more than 3,000 people across the country. (IBIS World)
Nando’s maintains strong ties to local communities. Its commitment to quality has made it a trusted name in both casual dining and fast food.
Oporto is a homegrown Aussie brand, founded in 1986. It is best known for its Portuguese-style flame-grilled chicken and the iconic Bondi Burger.
As of April 2025, Oporto operates 208 locations across Australia. New South Wales leads with 125 stores, making up about 60% of the network.
The brand uses three store formats: food court outlets, shopfront stores, and drive-thrus. This variety allows Oporto to serve customers in shopping centres, suburban hubs, and regional areas.
Oporto is owned by Craveable Brands, which also manages Red Rooster and Chicken Treat. Under this ownership, Oporto has been steadily expanding, with around 20 new restaurants opening each year.
Beyond Australia, Oporto has also gone global. Stores can be found in New Zealand and the Middle East, including Dubai.
Chicken Treat has been serving Aussies since 1976. It offers a mix of rotisserie chicken, fried chicken, plus a range of burgers and wraps.
The brand is known for its Mediterranean-inspired flavours, which help set it apart from standard fried chicken outlets. Its focus on fresh ingredients and consistent quality has built a loyal customer base, especially in Western Australia.
Chicken Treat is part of Craveable Brands, the same group behind Red Rooster and Oporto. With this backing, the company is expanding into Queensland and New South Wales, moving beyond its WA roots.
El Jannah is a much-loved Lebanese-Australian franchise. It was founded in 1998 and has built a strong following for its charcoal chicken and famous garlic sauce.
The brand has grown steadily over the years. It now runs 14 outlets, most of them in Sydney. Customers often travel across suburbs just to enjoy its unique flavours and family-style meals.
El Jannah prides itself on authentic recipes and community connections. This focus has made it a cult favourite in the local fast food scene.
Popeyes is a famous American fried chicken chain. It was founded in 1972 in New Orleans and is now headquartered in Miami, Florida.
The brand is known for its Louisiana-style fried chicken with bold spices and flavours. Its menu includes bone-in chicken, chicken sandwiches, tenders, wings, and regional sides such as Cajun fries and red beans and rice.
Popeyes has over 4,900 restaurants worldwide, most of them franchised. The chain is now expanding in Australia, offering franchisees protected territories and extensive support.
Franchisees receive comprehensive training covering operations, marketing, and customer service. The company also focuses on strong operational standards to ensure consistent quality across its global network.
Belles Hot Chicken is an Aussie-born brand inspired by Nashville hot chicken. It launched in 2014 and quickly became popular for its crispy chicken and spicy seasoning options.
The menu focuses on fried chicken, chicken sandwiches, and wings, paired with sides like pickles, mac and cheese, and fries. Customers can choose their heat level, from mild to very spicy.
Belles has expanded across Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide. It is a favourite for those looking for American-style fried chicken with a local twist.
The brand has also moved into retail food products, offering sauces and meal kits so fans can enjoy Belles flavours at home.
NeNe Chicken is a popular South Korean fried chicken chain. It entered the Aussie market in 2015 and has built a strong fan base, especially among younger diners.
The brand is loved for its crispy Korean-style fried chicken with a wide range of sauces and flavours. Favourites include Original Fried, Swicy (sweet and spicy), Snowing Cheese, and Bulgogi.
NeNe offers both dine-in and takeaway options, making it a versatile choice for busy customers. Many stores are located in shopping centres and city hubs.
The brand continues to expand across Australia, bringing the Korean fried chicken wave to more suburbs.
Wingstop is a US-born chicken chain that has quickly gained traction in Australia. Founded in 1994 in Texas, the brand is known worldwide for its chicken wings and bold flavours.
The menu focuses on classic wings, boneless wings, and tenders. Customers can choose from 11 sauces, ranging from mild to the fiery Atomic. Sides include seasoned fries, coleslaw, beans, and desserts.
Wingstop’s appeal lies in its simple menu and strong flavour variety. This formula has helped it grow to over 1,500 stores globally.
In Australia, Wingstop is opening stores in major cities and aiming to capture the growing demand for American-style fried chicken.
The most profitable brands are KFC, Nando’s, Red Rooster, and Chicken Treat.
KFC leads with an average annual profit of around AUD 770,000 per store.
These franchises offer strong brand recognition, proven business models, and broad customer appeal.
Successful franchisees are typically energetic, resilient, and hands-on owner-operators who are passionate about food and committed to delivering excellent customer experiences. Prior hospitality experience is helpful, but not always required.
Most franchisors offer comprehensive pre-opening training lasting from several days to a few weeks, covering operations, food safety, customer service, and marketing. Continuous support is typically available, including refresher courses and regional help.
You must receive a Franchise Disclosure Document and a copy of the Franchise Code of Conduct. Legal and financial advice is strongly recommended before signing any agreement.
Yes. Many banks and lenders offer franchise finance packages.
Some brands have preferred lender arrangements to help franchisees get started. Also, loan approval depends on creditworthiness and business plans.
Australia’s fried chicken franchises are also using social media, influencer marketing, and local events to grow loyal communities. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook help attract new customers and keep fans engaged.
Digital ordering, delivery services, and menu diversification are also driving franchise growth and convenience more than ever.
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Aussie chicken franchises offer the chance to build a profitable, long-term business in a market that adapts to changing tastes and lifestyles.
