Quick-Service Food · head-to-head

KFC Australia vs Red Rooster

A KFC Australia franchise costs $1,273,994–$7,498,593 all-in, versus $400,000–$800,000 for Red Rooster. Red Rooster has the lower entry cost. KFC Australia is the larger network (839 vs 321 Australian outlets). On ongoing fees, KFC Australia charges 5.0% royalty and Red Rooster charges 5.0% royalty.

Figures as at August 2026 (KFC Australia) and July 2026 (Red Rooster). Confirm both against the disclosure document.

Side by side

FeeKFC AustraliaRed Rooster
Total investment (all-in)$1,273,994–$7,498,593$400,000–$800,000
Initial franchise fee$45,000$50,000
Fit-out & equipment$700,000–$1,500,000$300,000–$600,000
Working capital$300,000$100,000
Royalty5.0%5.0%
Marketing levy4.0%5.0%
Term20 years10 years
Australian outlets839321
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?

Red Rooster is the cheaper way in, its establishment range starts at $400,000 against $1,273,994 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.

Both in context

KFC Australia and Red Rooster are both quick-service food systems. Across the category, the Fee Index shows a median all-in cost of $337,000–$675,000 (173 systems), a $45,000 median initial fee (9 systems), a 6.0% median royalty (9 systems) and a 4.3% median marketing levy (9 systems). See where each sits against the field in the Quick-Service Food Fee Index.

Common questions

Is KFC Australia or Red Rooster cheaper to buy?

Red Rooster has the lower entry cost. KFC Australia costs $1,273,994–$7,498,593 all-in versus $400,000–$800,000 for Red Rooster. These are establishment ranges including working capital, always verify against the disclosure document.

Which has more locations, KFC Australia or Red Rooster?

KFC Australia is the larger network, with 839 Australian outlets versus 321 for Red Rooster.

What royalty do KFC Australia and Red Rooster charge?

KFC Australia charges 5.0% royalty and a 4.0% marketing levy. Red Rooster charges 5.0% royalty and a 5.0% marketing levy. Both are ongoing percentages of gross sales, confirm the current rates with each franchisor.

Should I choose KFC Australia or Red Rooster?

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.

More quick-service food comparisons

Keep researching