McDonald's Australia vs Red Rooster
Figures as at July 2026 (McDonald's Australia) and July 2026 (Red Rooster). Confirm both against the disclosure document.
Side by side
| McDonald's Australia | Red Rooster | |
|---|---|---|
| Total investment (all-in) | $1,500,000–$2,600,000 | $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 |
| Royalty | 5.0% | 5.0% |
| Marketing levy | 4.0% | 5.0% |
| Term | 20 years | 10 years |
| Australian outlets | 1,050 | 360 |
| Category | Quick-Service Food | Quick-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 $1,500,000 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.
Both in context
McDonald's Australia and Red Rooster 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 Red Rooster cheaper to buy?
Red Rooster has the lower entry cost. McDonald's Australia costs $1,500,000–$2,600,000 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, McDonald's Australia or Red Rooster?
McDonald's Australia is the larger network, with 1,050 Australian outlets versus 360 for Red Rooster.
What royalty do McDonald's Australia and Red Rooster charge?
McDonald's 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 McDonald's 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.