American Fast-Food Chains Find New Homes in Australia

In a flurry of international expansion, several iconic American fast-food chains have been making their way to Australian shores throughout 2025, bringing with them both excitement and controversy. The recent opening of Wingstop in Sydney’s Kings Cross sparked tremendous interest, with fans lining up for hours to sample their famous chicken wings and tenders. Following this success, Wingstop has already expanded to Penrith, marking their second Australian location. This American invasion doesn’t stop there – Chuck E. Cheese, Wendy’s, and Auntie Anne’s have all planted their flags in the Australian market this year, with varying degrees of success and customer response. Perhaps most exciting for food enthusiasts is the announcement that Shake Shack will make a temporary appearance as a pop-up at the 2026 Australian Open in Melbourne, giving Australians a taste of their famous ShackBurger without having to travel overseas.

The reception to these American chains has been decidedly mixed. While Wingstop initially attracted massive queues, customers soon voiced concerns about pricing. A three-piece tender pack at $15.95 without sides or drinks struck many as excessive, with popular food vlogger @c1ndyxie joking she had spent her entire hourly wage on a single order. When questioned about pricing, Wingstop Australia defended their model, emphasizing they offer a “cooked-to-order, fast-casual dining experience, not fast food,” with “generous portions made with 100 percent Australian-sourced chicken.” Similar scenes played out when Auntie Anne’s opened in Parramatta Westfield, where eager customers lined up from 4 a.m. for their hand-rolled pretzels. Demand was so high that purchases were initially limited to three pretzels per customer, though some later complained about inconsistent quality. In contrast, Wendy’s has generally received positive reviews, with TikTok users praising their Frosty desserts and chicken tenders, which one content creator called “some of the best fast food tenders” available.

The upcoming Shake Shack pop-up has generated particular excitement among Australian foodies. The burger chain, which started as a humble hot dog cart in New York’s Madison Square Park in 2001, will set up shop at Melbourne Park’s TOPCOURT and John Cain Arena during the Australian Open from January 12 to February 1, 2026. They’ll serve their signature ShackBurger – a smashed Angus beef patty with American cheese, fresh vegetables, and their secret ShackSauce on a toasted potato bun – alongside an exclusive Australian Open Shake created specifically for the event. Social media has been buzzing with anticipation, with many Australians sharing their experiences with Shake Shack in other countries. “Just tried it in Kuala Lumpur, amazing burgers. Can’t believe they haven’t come to Australia sooner,” wrote one excited fan, while another added, “Had Shake Shack in Singapore. Loved it!”

Not every international fast-food venture has found success in Australia, however. Carl’s Jr., which once had ambitious plans to open 300 Australian stores, went into voluntary administration last year. Five Guys, despite being in Australia for four years, has only established five locations and reportedly struggles with customer traffic at some locations. Popular food content creator Russ Eats suggests these brands can only survive in Australia if they adapt to local conditions by lowering prices and offering drive-through service where possible. “Australia is very anti-big corporate giant,” he explained, noting that while some menu adaptation is necessary, brands that change too much lose their identity and appeal. He pointed to the energy drink Prime, which “exploded, and then it died because no one actually liked the drink,” compared to Four Loko, which changed so much that it lost its distinctive character.

Food influencers have been at the forefront of documenting this American fast-food invasion. Russ Eats, who has tested both Wendy’s and Wingstop, praised the burger chain despite its higher price point compared to the US, positioning it between McDonald’s and local favorite Chebbo’s in terms of quality and price. However, he found Wingstop to be “overrated,” though he acknowledged his followers particularly enjoyed their chicken tenders. He predicts American barbecue could be “the next big thing” in Australia, citing Briskets on the Gold Coast as an example of high-quality American-style food in a fast-food format. Fellow content creator Ange Eats described the arrival of these American chains as a “huge moment and milestone in his foodie career,” expressing excitement that Australians can now enjoy these famous brands “without having to leave their backyard.”

As Wendy’s pushes ahead with plans to open 200 Australian stores in the next decade and other chains continue their expansion, the Australian fast-food landscape is undergoing a significant transformation. The temporary arrival of Shake Shack at the Australian Open will likely serve as a litmus test for whether this beloved burger chain could find permanent success down under. For now, Australian consumers appear willing to try these American imports, even if they balk at the higher prices. As Ange Eats notes regarding Shake Shack’s upcoming appearance, “This will be a big moment in their Australian movement to see how the general public react.” Whether these American chains can adapt to Australian tastes and economic realities while maintaining what makes them special remains to be seen, but their arrival has undeniably added new flavors to Australia’s already diverse culinary scene.