Australia has long been obsessed with American fast food. I remember nearly a decade ago, writing digital articles for Australian publications on In-N-Out pop-ups (it turned out they were dupes) and Carl’s Jr and Taco Bell expansion plans in Australia for guaranteed clicks. Consistently some of our top-performing stories of the month.
While Carl’s Jr has shut 20-odd stores and Taco Bell currently has no expansion plans, our appreciation for American fast-food chains hasn’t wavered. Most recently, it’s been shown with people waiting for hours at the Crumbl Cookies (dupe) pop-up and the nearly half a million views on any BuzzFeed Oz TikTok about Wingstop and Raising Canes potentially coming to Australia. It’s also been shown with Five Guys’ plans to open 25 more stores in Australia in the next five years (you can read more about Five Guys’ expansion plans here).
So, why are we so obsessed with American fast-food chains? And if we’re so obsessed with it, why have not all American chains found massive success here?
@buzzfeedoz the misinformation on this topic is crazy 😭😭 #raisingcanes #raisingcanesaustralia #buzzfeedoz ♬ original sound – BuzzFeedOz
There are several reasons but chef-owner of NSW burger chain Burger Point, Tim Casaje, says one of the biggest is our exposure to American pop culture.
“For decades, Australians have grown up watching American TV shows and movies, where iconic fast-food brands like McDonald’s, KFC and Burger King [Hungry Jack’s in Australia] are heavily featured,” says Casaje. “This created a sense of familiarity and nostalgia for American food, making it appealing.”
To us, American chains are familiar and nostalgic — and, says Stuart Toon, chef and co-owner of Rocker Bondi, they’re glamorous, particularly in the case of chains like In-N-Out and Shake Shack. “Being English myself, we have our fair share of fast-food chains in the UK,” he says. “The beauty of Australia is it doesn’t have its own distinct cuisine. Many nationalities and cultures influence and shape it.”
Another factor in the appeal is the convenience and consistency American fast food offers. These chains provide quick, affordable meals, which, says Casaje, fit perfectly into the busy lifestyles of many Australians. They also offer consistent taste — usually the same menu and dish recipes at all branches.
“Global trends have seen fast food become a symbol of modern, urban living,” he says. “American fast-food brands often market themselves as trendsetters in pop culture, with new, exciting products or promotions that attract Australian consumers looking to try something fresh and different.”
Finally, a less obvious reason for American fast food’s popularity here is our British colonial background, which encompasses traditional British food culture. Peter Augoustis, owner of bar and restaurant Li’l Darlin, says historically, British cuisine has been seen as more formal and conservative with staples like meat pies, roasts and fish and chips.
“American fast food, on the other hand, is casual, convenient and often indulgent, offering a different culinary experience that feels more fun,” says Augoustis. “The flashy, fast-paced and heavily marketed nature of American fast food stands in stark contrast to the more traditional, slow-cooked meals associated with British culture.”
Just because American fast food is popular here doesn’t mean we always accept it as-is. Many times, the menu of American chains needs to be adapted to Australian tastes and preferences. Phil Keelan, head of operations at Five Guys ANZ, says Australians have a reputation for demanding fresh, good-quality products.
“With the birth of cooking shows, food trends, food innovation, bloggers and critics and influencers, there is no doubt the average consumer is far more educated on what good value and good quality is,” Keelan says.
Augoustis says he’s seen fast-food American chains in Australia beetroot added to burgers and carrots to sandwiches. Caseje says similarly: “While the core elements of American fast food remain — burgers, fries, fried chicken — many chains introduce items and flavours that resonate more with Australian diners.”
Finally, it’s worth mentioning a major roadblock in the expansion of American fast food chains here in Australia — one I feel will always keep expansion plans at bay. Australians love local, independent venues. Our restaurant and café culture leans more towards these than chains.
“I think that’s a great part of our hospitality industry,” says Toon. “It gives those smaller guys a space in the market to get creative and develop good food they’re passionate about.”
Bottom line? Australia’s long-held fascination with American fast food is a complex interplay of cultural factors, historical influences and consumer preferences. But with the value we place on authenticity, quality and homegrown establishments — including our own fast-food chains like Burger Point, Fishbowl and El Jannah — and as our hospitality industry evolves, it’ll be interesting to see how American fast-food chains fare.
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