Few franchise stories in Australia match the scale and resilience of McDonald’s Australia — the local arm of the global Golden Arches. Operating for more than 50 years, McDonald’s Australia remains a dominant force in the nation’s quick-service restaurant (QSR) sector, with over 1,050 restaurants nationwide. With a primarily franchised model and a workforce of more than 115,000 employees, the brand stands as one of Australia’s largest private-sector employers and most recognised franchise opportunities.
Since opening its first restaurant in 1971, McDonald’s has become a cornerstone of Australian food culture. The network now includes traditional dine-in restaurants, dual-lane drive-thrus, McCafés, and delivery-focused kitchens across every state and territory.
Australia remains one of McDonald’s most significant international markets, both by restaurant density and customer reach, contributing meaningfully to the brand’s global systemwide sales.
McDonald’s Australia Holdings has consistently demonstrated strong top-line performance. According to IBISWorld, revenue is estimated at around AUD 2.1–2.2 billion, representing both steady same-store sales and expansion through new restaurants and value-driven menu initiatives.
At the restaurant level, profitability depends on several factors — including location, operating hours (daytime vs 24-hour), and drive-thru efficiency. Franchisees benefit from comprehensive training, marketing support, and long-term business systems that have kept McDonald’s one of the most profitable franchise networks in Australia.
Restaurant Expansion to Fill Market Gaps
McDonald’s Australia has signalled a continued push to open new restaurants (management has cited plans to open 30–50 new stores over a 12-month horizon to address under-served areas). This is part of a pipeline combining new builds and targeted remodels.
Value & Loyalty Programs
The brand continues to scale loyalty (MyMacca’s) and price-value initiatives, e.g. meals and “Loose Change” items, which drive frequency and lower the elasticity of demand in cost-of-living conditions.
Operational formats
Dual-lane drive-thrus, delivery-optimised kitchens and refreshed dining formats reduce service friction and raise throughput — especially in commuter and suburban corridors. New builds and remodels often include sustainability features and technology upgrades.
Franchisee network strength
With a decades-old franchise program, McDonald’s uses standardized training, site selection, and marketing support — enabling faster rollouts while controlling brand standards.
The McDonald’s Australia franchise combines unmatched scale, proven profitability, and long-term brand trust. With over 1,000 restaurants, 115,000 employees, and a pipeline of new builds through 2025–2026, the brand is positioned for sustained growth.
Leadership continues to focus on operational excellence, value for customers, and technology-driven service models — a mix that will keep McDonald’s at the forefront of the Australian fast-food franchise industry for years to come.
(sources: McDonald’s)
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