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Quick-Service Food · head-to-head

McDonald's Australia vs Guzman y Gomez

A McDonald's Australia franchise costs $1,500,000–$2,600,000 all-in, versus $1,700,000–$2,000,000 for Guzman y Gomez. McDonald's Australia has the lower entry cost. McDonald's Australia is the larger network (1,050 vs 185 Australian outlets). On ongoing fees, McDonald's Australia charges 5.0% royalty and Guzman y Gomez charges 8.0% royalty.

Figures as at July 2026 (McDonald's Australia) and July 2026 (Guzman y Gomez). Confirm both against the disclosure document.

Side by side

McDonald's AustraliaGuzman y Gomez
Total investment (all-in)$1,500,000–$2,600,000$1,700,000–$2,000,000
Initial franchise fee$45,000$90,000
Fit-out & equipment$700,000–$1,500,000$900,000–$1,400,000
Working capital$300,000$150,000
Royalty5.0%8.0%
Marketing levy4.0%5.0%
Term20 years10 years
Australian outlets1,050185
CategoryQuick-Service FoodQuick-Service Food

Establishment ranges include working capital. Every figure is dated to its source, see each brand’s profile for the full breakdown and provenance.

Which is cheaper to get into?

McDonald's Australia is the cheaper way in, its establishment range starts at $1,500,000 against $1,700,000 for the other. Remember the all-in figure includes working capital; the gap can narrow or widen once you cost fit-out for a specific site. On ongoing cost, McDonald's Australia takes the smaller royalty (5.0% vs 8.0%), which compounds over the life of the agreement.

Both in context

McDonald's Australia and Guzman y Gomez are both quick-service food systems. The category median all-in investment is $350,000$900,000 with a 7.0% median royalty (Fee Index, n=96). See where each sits against the field in the Quick-Service Food Fee Index.

Common questions

Is McDonald's Australia or Guzman y Gomez cheaper to buy?

McDonald's Australia has the lower entry cost. McDonald's Australia costs $1,500,000–$2,600,000 all-in versus $1,700,000–$2,000,000 for Guzman y Gomez. These are establishment ranges including working capital, always verify against the disclosure document.

Which has more locations, McDonald's Australia or Guzman y Gomez?

McDonald's Australia is the larger network, with 1,050 Australian outlets versus 185 for Guzman y Gomez.

What royalty do McDonald's Australia and Guzman y Gomez charge?

McDonald's Australia charges 5.0% royalty and a 4.0% marketing levy. Guzman y Gomez charges 8.0% royalty and a 5.0% marketing levy. Both are ongoing percentages of gross sales, confirm the current rates with each franchisor.

Should I choose McDonald's Australia or Guzman y Gomez?

It depends on your budget, which territories each has available near you, and the format you want to run. This comparison uses each franchisor's published figures; before deciding, request both disclosure documents, check territory availability, and have an accountant review the numbers.

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