Australia’s café and restaurant network expanded to over 55,700 locations at the end of the 2024 financial year, rising by around 500 from the previous year. More than a third of the cafés and restaurants operating nationwide were small-scale operations with between one and four employees. In comparison, just over 180 of the country’s cafés and restaurants recorded an employment size range of over 200 employees.
Which chains are brewing Australia’s coffee?
Across popular coffee franchises operating in Australia, U.S. brand McDonald’s/McCafé had the largest network, followed by Hungry Jack’s with Jack’s Café. Among local coffeehouse chains, Brisbane-founded The Coffee Club had over 220 locations nationwide, with Donut King hot on its heels as the second-most prevalent local brand. While enjoying high success in the United States, China, Korea, and Japan, U.S. coffee giant Starbucks has struggled to gain a firm footing in Australia’s café landscape. Nevertheless, Western Australia opened the doors to its first Starbucks in October 2024 in the Perth suburb of Piara Waters.
Australia’s coffee culture
From cold brews to piping hot lattes, coffee is deeply ingrained in Australian culture, with the beverage ranking as the country's most regularly consumed drink in a 2024 survey. Around a quarter of Australian consumers reported ordering coffee made by a barista at a café or restaurant at least monthly, with self-service coffee from convenience stores and service stations also a popular way to get their caffeine fix. Taste was the primary factor influencing where Australians purchased their coffee, followed by price and location. While treating themselves was the main reason for out-of-home coffee purchases, the second-most prevalent motivation was the opportunity to socialize with friends and family.Â