The food franchising sector in Australia continues to thrive, offering a wide array of opportunities for both seasoned entrepreneurs and first-time business owners. With a robust consumer appetite for convenience, quality, and variety, franchise models in the food and beverage (F&B) industry have emerged as a lower-risk pathway to owning a business. Today, this segment remains highly competitive, yet full of promise for those ready to invest smartly.
In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most successful and interesting food franchising models currently making waves across the country. These showcase the diversity and innovation driving the industry, from heritage brands to rising stars, and may serve as inspiration for your next food venture.
1. Mad Mex
Founded in Sydney in 2007, Mad Mex has grown into a well-loved Mexican food chain focused on fresh, healthier ingredients. Its blend of quick service and health-conscious offerings appeals to urban Australians seeking flavour without compromise. With an initial investment between $250,000–$550,000, franchisees gain access to robust training, opening support, and a proven operational system.
2. Boost Juice
A homegrown success story, Boost Juice has become synonymous with Australia’s juice bar scene. Founded in 2000, it now boasts more than 185 locations nationwide. The brand is a top choice for entrepreneurs looking to tap into the growing demand for healthy beverages. Franchisees benefit from a well-established brand, strong customer loyalty, and comprehensive training. The initial investment ranges from $220,000 to $350,000, plus goods and services tax (GST).
3. Roll’d
Roll’d offers authentic Vietnamese cuisine, including bánh mì, rice paper rolls, and pho, in a fast-casual format. Founded in 2012, it has quickly scaled to over 85 stores across Australia. Investment sits between $400,000–$500,000 plus GST, with a distinctive brand identity and scalable operations attracting franchise interest nationwide.
4. Baker’s Delight
With over 700 locations across four countries, Baker’s Delight is a household name in the Australian bakery space. Established in 1980, it remains one of the most reliable and profitable franchise models in the F&B industry. The franchise requires a significant investment of $500,000–$600,000 but offers a high degree of brand trust, supply chain consistency, and customer recognition.
5. Soul Origin
Soul Origin has carved out a niche in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) space by offering nutritious, ready-to-go meals and speciality coffee. Since its launch in 2011, the brand has grown to over 100 stores across Australia. With an investment range of $300,000–$400,000 plus GST, Soul Origin is ideal for franchisees looking to align with healthy eating trends in busy CBD locations and shopping centres.
6. Gelatissimo
Established in 2002, Gelatissimo has become a beloved gelato franchise with over 40 outlets in Australia. Known for making more than 45 flavours of gelato fresh in-store daily, the franchise offers flexibility in format (kiosk, café, shopfront), starting at an investment of around $50,000. It’s an accessible entry point for franchisees seeking a lower-cost option with high foot traffic potential.
7. Naked Foods
Naked Foods stands out for its zero-waste, organic bulk-foods model. Though not a traditional fast-food concept, it taps into rising consumer demand for sustainable and health-focused food retail. With investments ranging from $150,000–$250,000, the franchise offers strong support and branding aligned with eco-conscious living, which is a growing trend among urban Australians today.
8. Chicken Treat
Founded in 1976, Chicken Treat continues to serve up rotisserie and fried chicken across Western Australia and beyond. This longstanding brand remains a key player in the fast-food space, with initial investments starting from $300,000. Its longevity, loyal customer base, and broad menu make it a solid option for those seeking familiarity and tradition in the QSR market.
9. Zambrero
Zambrero, launched in Canberra in 2005, now operates over 200 locations across Australia. Known for its “Plate 4 Plate” mission to combat world hunger, it blends purpose with profit. With an investment of $400,000–$650,000, a $30,000 franchise fee, and 4-week training, it’s a standout option for socially driven franchisees seeking multi-site ownership potential.
10. Ferguson Plarre Bakehouses
Ferguson Plarre Bakehouses is a heritage bakery-café brand with roots dating back to 1901 in Victoria. With over 75 outlets and a franchise investment of around $250,000–$350,000, it offers full training, business coaching, and ongoing support. Known for quality baked goods and coffee, it appeals to operators seeking a meaningful community presence in suburban or regional locations.
Choosing the Right Model for Today’s Market
While all these brands offer solid foundations, it’s important to evaluate beyond the brand name. Factors such as operational support, flexibility, location opportunities, and alignment with consumer trends, from sustainability to speed, are critical when assessing any franchise opportunity.
For those looking to go beyond traditional brick-and-mortar, models such as cloud kitchens, virtual brands, and production kitchens are emerging as cost-effective, scalable alternatives. In fact, brands like Chef Collective are transforming how food businesses scale by providing infrastructure that reduces overheads, simplifies logistics, and accelerates time-to-market.
Start Strong in Australia’s Food Franchise Market
The food franchising landscape in Australia is more dynamic than ever. From legacy brands with decades of success to innovative newcomers tapping into health, sustainability, and social impact, there’s never been a better time to explore your options. With the right research, strategic investment, and brand alignment, aspiring franchisees can tap into Australia’s thriving F&B economy with confidence.
If you’re considering launching or expanding your food business, Chef Collective offers the infrastructure and flexibility needed to help you succeed. Whether you’re entering the franchise space for the first time or scaling an existing operation, our production kitchens and delivery-optimised spaces are designed to support rapid growth with lower upfront costs. Get in touch with us today to learn how we can help bring your brand to life.
