QSR Media Awards 2025

Australia’s leading quick-service and fast-casual dining brands gathered on 13 October 2025 for the QSR Media Awards, powered by Red Bull. The annual event celebrated innovation, leadership, and impact across the country’s thriving QSR industry.

Honouring Franchising Excellence

The night’s top honour, the Hall of Fame Award, went to Steven Marks, co-CEO and founder of Guzman y Gomez (GYG), for his visionary leadership and brand legacy. “This award belongs to our entire GYG team,” Marks said. “We’ve proven that fast food can be fresh, responsible, and full of purpose.”

Editor’s Choice Awards recognised Pappa Flock and Bubba Pizza for their strong community engagement and brand agility.

Innovation, Sustainability & Marketing Highlights

Oliver’s Real Food earned Best Digital Initiative for its AI-driven personalisation tools, while Soul Origin won Best Brand Transformation for its refreshed store concept. Zambrero’s global “Plate 4 Plate” initiative earned Best CSR, and Bakers Delight was named Best Sustainable Restaurant.

Marketing creativity shone through Wingstop’s global-themed campaign and Gong cha’s influencer collaborations. Grill’d took home two major awards — Best Innovation – Food & Beverage and Best Brand Collaboration — for its plant-based range and youth-driven partnerships.

Rising Talent and Standout Teams

El Jannah dominated the night with three wins: Rising Star (Sandesh Thapa), Best Customer Experience, and Multi-Site Restaurant of the Year. Chargrill Charlie’s (Craveable Brands) received Diversity & Inclusion Champion, while Oporto was named Squad of the Year.

Setting New Standards

The 2025 winners reflect an industry shifting toward digital transformation, sustainability, and employee engagement.

“These brands aren’t just keeping pace — they’re redefining fast food for a new generation,” said QSR Media editor Tim West.

2025 Winners Snapshot

  • Hall of Fame: Steven Marks, co-CEO and founder of Guzman y Gomez
  • Editor’s Choice Awards: Pappa Flock, Bubba Pizza
  • Best Digital Initiative: Oliver’s Real Food
  • Best Brand Transformation: Soul Origin
  • Best Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative: Zambrero
  • Best Marketing Campaign (Small to Medium Chain): Wingstop
  • Best Marketing Campaign (Large Chain): Gong cha
  • Best New Concept: Johnny Gio’s Pizza
  • Rising Star: Sandesh Thapa, El Jannah
  • Best Innovation – Food & Beverage: Grill’d
  • Best Menu Innovation (Limited Time Offer): Baskin-Robbins Australia
  • Best Brand Collaboration: Grill’d
  • Best Customer Experience: El Jannah
  • Best Restaurant Renovation: Gong cha
  • Best Delivery Initiative: Town & Country Pizza & Pasta
  • Best Employee Recognition Program: Guzman y Gomez
  • Best Sustainable Restaurant: Bakers Delight
  • Diversity and Inclusion Champion: Chargrill Charlie’s (Craveable Brands)
  • Squad of the Year: Oporto
  • Special Recognition Award: Foodco Group
  • 2025 Multi-Site Restaurant of the Year: El Jannah
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(source: QSR Media)

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