GapMaps, a cloud-based data intelligence platform used by brands to pinpoint optimal locations for its physical stores, has released its 2024 Annual Fast Food & Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) Network Report, tracking store openings and closures in Australia for the 12 months to 31 December 2024. 

Monitoring 36 brands in 7,523 locations, 302 store openings were recorded, with 19 brands showing positive net store growth (after closures), of which the eight fastest growing brands accounted for 152 of the locations.

This included large chains like KFC, Hungry Jack’s, Subway and McDonald’s, and expansion from smaller networks like Zambrero, Guzman Y Gomez, and Oporto.

GapMaps head of research and economics Andrew Smith, said, “In 2024, population growth, estimated to have added 500,000 residents and inflation, has continued to support the food and beverage sector.

“In total, the 36 leading brands tracked collectively opened a net 178 new outlets in 2024, highlighting the sector’s resilience and sustained growth.

“To keep pace with the level of population growth, we have seen the major QSR chains expand their store footprints, with Subway, McDonald’s and KFC all opening more than 20 new stores in 2024 to maintain store provisions at a ratio of one store per 20,000-30,000 residents.”

Guzman Y Gomez added the most net new stores (27), including 10 in Greater Sydney. Hungry Jack’s and Zambrero also experienced growth, each opening 16 and 20 net new locations. Meanwhile, brands like Mad Mex, Betty’s Burgers, and El Jannah each added 10 new stores, further growing their networks.

Of the five major QSR brands, KFC showed the greatest growth adding 23 net new stores, lifting its total network to 804 nationwide. Subway, with the largest network of 1,246 stores, recorded a net change of +17 stores. The second largest network with 1,050 stores, McDonald’s, recorded a net change of +19 stores. Elsewhere, Hungry Jack’s (471 stores) net change was +16 new stores.

Across the other 23 QSR brands tracked, which accounts for 2,036 stores across Australia, Guzman Y Gomez, Zambrero and Oporto, reported strong net new store growth, adding 27, 20, 16 stores respectively. Positive net new store growth was also recorded by Grill’d (+5) and Schnitz (+7).

In the sushi segment, which accounts for 458 stores nationally, the largest network chain Sushi Hub with 177 stores, recorded net new store growth of +14, followed by Sushi Sushi, with 162 stores and net new store growth of +11.

New store growth was spread across the country. In terms of the highest growth city, Melbourne recorded 55 net new store openings. Sydney was second with 31, followed by Brisbane (21), Perth (19), and Adelaide (4). Outside the major cities, store growth was 48.

“In 2025, most Australians have significantly greater choice of accessing fast food and quick service restaurants,” said Smith.

“While over 75% of all Australians have lived within 3km of a Subway and McDonald’s for a number of years now, close to 53% of all Australians can access 10 or more QSR brands within 3km of home.”

The access to these brands varies significantly across each capital city as brands in suburban settings typically cluster in or around major shopping centres. As part of the 2024 annual report, GapMaps maps this variation in brand access across major capital cities, which enables them to explore this analysis in detail within the GapMaps platform.