In today’s competitive fast-food landscape, where customers are spoilt for choice, chicken franchises are continuing to gain market share, and it’s off the back of consumer demand.

The versatility of the product offering allows fitness fanatics and fried food fiends to sit elbow to elbow at the same table, offering the opportunity for maximum market penetration.

In 2019, brands are scratching to get their claws on the piece of the chicken sector, each adding their own twist on the poultry product, and for good reason.

According to IBISWorld’s Fast Food and Takeaway Food Services in Australia Industry Report, chicken-based product offerings account for 18.4 per cent of the $20.1bn fast-food sector, making it the second largest product market nation-wide.

So, here in Australia, which chicken franchises are providing entrepreneurs with a finger-licking opportunity?

1. Ogalo

Sydney-based operation Ogalo is a family favourite among the New South Wales market, with a growing network of the chain’s Portuguese chicken franchises now springing up across the country.

Earlier this year, Ogalo launched its inaugural interstate location in Darwin, kick-starting a new era of growth for the iconic operation. Nelson Lima, Ogalo operations manager said the key to brand’s 30 year history of sustained success was knowing what to invest in and when.

“The chicken sector, as with all other QSRs has been evolving for many years now,” Lima told Inside Franchise Business.

“Customers now expect more flavour and a fuller experience in their in-store visit and have acquired more discerning tastes.”

Like all chicken franchises, Ogalo is in the midst of a delivery platform revolution, however Lima revealed that technological innovation was something to be harnessed not ignored.

“We look forward to embracing emerging technologies and listening to what our customers have to say, looking at how we can improve our range of products whilst maintaining our core menu which has been our recipe for success,” he said.

“We’ve contracted one of Australia’s leading social media marketing companies and have had some of the food industry’s leading influencers create content that has resonated extremely well with our target market and increased our number of followers by over 400 per cent in a short period of time.”

2. Chicken Treat

Western Australia-based Chicken Treat isn’t the most well-known of the nation’s chicken franchises, but that may be about to change.

The chain has over 40 years of proven success on the Aussie fast-food scene, with the business revealing a large-scale expansion strategy earlier this year.

“Since the mining crash our team have been working tirelessly to turn our brand around and I am thrilled to report that Chicken Treat has registered its highest sales in five years and positive growth for 18 consecutive months,” Chicken Treat CEO Mimma Battista told Inside Franchise Business.

“As a result of the brands success, Chicken Treat is expanding. Ten new stores will open across Western Australia in the next 12 months with four already under construction, and there are plans to launch the brand nationally in the next three to five years.”

Coinciding with the multi-state expansion is a full-scale repositioning, highlighted by a new store design and in-store experience. It’s all part of a monster growth plan from parent company Craveable Brands, which also operates two of the biggest chicken franchises nationwide.

3. Red Rooster

Family-friendly franchise Red Rooster is a staple of the fast-food industry, offering roast chicken dinners and wraps for over 45 years.

Most recently, the iconic chicken chain, also owned by Craveable Brands unveiled a series of innovative new store designs. The new designs incorporate state of the art technology and ordering systems while paying homage to the chain’s cheeky Aussie heritage.

“One thing that you’ll notice with all the designs is that a new language has been developed around this idea of “Aussie Legends”. Red Rooster is an iconic brand and we felt like that needed to be celebrated,” restaurant designer and director of The Great Indoors, Lee Hopkinson said.

Nick Keenan, Red Rooster CEO said the fresh new looks highlighted the brand’s innovative approach to customer service; something he instils in every franchisee.

“This new physical bricks and mortar design is synchronised with our overall creative messaging and showcases a modern look with a fun and cheeky tone that is uniquely Red Rooster,” he said.

4. Oporto

Another of Craveable Brands chicken franchises is Oporto, the brand famous for bringing the iconic Bondi burger to life.

The heritage Aussie chicken chain has built a name on traditional Portuguese flavours, but here in 2019, technology and customer experience lead the way. The brand recently launched a full-scale experience update, reviving storefronts and reworking its training programs.

“You can’t teach personality – it’s innate and needs to be cultivated by the individual. But we can certainly aid the process of personality development by giving employees the tools and knowledge to be able to engage with customers in a meaningful way,” Michelle Draper, Oporto customer experience manager said.

“So, we’ve thrown out the rule book and we’re empowering team members to think for themselves, be hospitable and treat customers as if they were friends or family in their own homes.”

The new approach to customer service is having an impact, with the chain eager to generate new growth and establish new territories moving forward.

5. KFC

It would be ill-advised to create a list of chicken franchises and exclude KFC. The iconic US chain has been a staple of the fast-food landscape, both here in Australia and abroad for years.

Leaders in innovation and technology, KFC recently announced that they would be investing $1.5m in a new five lane drive-through only store in Newcastle.

“Drive-Through Only is the latest example of KFC’s commitment to innovation and to giving Aussies the most delicious and fresh chicken possible,” KFC Asia Pacific managing Director Nikki Lawson told Inside Franchise Business.

“It further shows our dedication to continually building on our customer offering and that we’re always providing delicious and fresh meals in the most convenient way to meet their busy lifestyles.”

The latest initiative comes after the chain reported a 100 per cent increase in online ordering through its app, year on year for the past five years.

Chicken franchises

So, with so many chicken franchises on the market, how can you tell which is right for you?

Some focus on customer service, others on technology, as a prospective franchisee, it is important that you assess your goals and values. What are you most interested by?

Irrespective of your choice, there’s no doubting that chicken franchises offer access to a big-ticket market.

“Australians per capita consumer around 49 kilograms of chicken annually, compared with 27 kilograms of pig meat, 26 kilograms of beef and eight kilograms of sheep,” Chicken Treat’s Mimma Battista said. “Chicken is Australia’s favourite protein.”