Fast Food and QSR sector records strongest growth in a decade, adding 250 net new stores

GapMaps has released its 2025 Annual Fast Food & Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) Network Report. The report, which tracks store openings and closures in Australia for the 12 months to 31 December 2025, reveals the strongest year of net growth recorded in the last decade.

Monitoring the top 36 brands in 7,779 locations, the report recorded 359 store openings and 109 closures, resulting in a net increase of 250 stores nationally.

This expansion highlights the sector’s continued resilience and growth despite cost pressures and intense competition.

“The Australian QSR sector has demonstrated remarkable strength in 2025,” said Toby Wooldridge, Associate Director, Research & Insights, at GapMaps. “This was the strongest year of net growth we have recorded, driven by the second highest number of openings on record and the lowest number of closures in the past decade.”

The major QSR brands continued to grow their footprints in step with population growth, with Subway, McDonald’s, and KFC each opening 25 or more stores. When factoring in store closures, KFC led the net growth with +29 stores, followed by McDonald’s (+25) and Subway (+18).

The Mexican QSR segment was among the fastest growing nationally. Zambrero and Guzman Y Gomez each recorded more than 30 openings, with net growth of +31 and +27 stores respectively, reinforcing the category’s expansion momentum.

Mid-sized chicken brands also posted solid growth, with Oporto (+17), El Jannah (+15), and Nando’s (+10) all delivering a strong number of net new locations. The sushi segment also expanded, with Sushi Hub adding 22 net new stores to reach a 200-store milestone nationally.

For the first time in the report's history, Melbourne has overtaken Sydney in total QSR locations. Melbourne closed the year with 1,522 stores after a net increase of 60, compared to Sydney’s 1,507 locations which saw a net increase of 32.

“Our data provides a clear view of supply and demand, helping brands make data-driven decisions to optimise their store networks and drive strategic growth,” added Woolridge.

“With insights into expansion patterns, consumer spending, and food delivery data, businesses can confidently identify opportunities in a competitive market.”

GapMaps tracks more than 1,500 brands across Australia, providing insights into expansion patterns and network optimisation. In partnership with CommBank iQ, GapMaps layers in local consumer spending and food delivery data, giving brands a clear view of supply and demand to support data-driven decisions, optimise their store networks, and drive strategic growth.

A copy of the 2025 report can be obtained via email to marketing@gapmaps.com.