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23 franchises that originated overseas – can you name them?

Sarah Stowe

The Aussie franchising landscape is a versatile one, intertwined with home-grown brands and internationally acclaimed alike. So in the spirit of the Olympics, here are 23 brands that were imported from international homes. 

  1. WHSmith – United Kingdom Specialising in stationery, books, toys, games and other products, the UK’s WHSmith was created in 1828 and has a strong presence in Australia. The veteran brand also backs Wild Cards & Gifts.
  2. Potato Corner – Philippines This up-and coming franchise has been fast-tracked from the Philippines to a New South Wales master franchisee. On top of the French fry offering in an array of flavours, the brand also features fried chicken combos and jacket potatoes.
  3. Fastway Couriers – New Zealand Established in 1983 in Napier New Zealand, Fastway Couriers offers low-cost courier services delivering locally and nationally.
  4. Mlinar – Croatia Croatia’s oldest and largest bakery chain took off in Australia this May. Of the two franchise models available, the partner model was adopted here.
  5. Nando’s – South Africa Championing the African bird’s eye chilli (Peri Peri) sauce, this casual dining brand was established in Rossettenville, South Africa in 1987 and hit the streets of Tuart Hill, Perth in 1990.
  6. Carl’s Jr – USA This big burger brand hit Aussie shores earlier this year, and is notorious for its maverick advertising. The franchise offers “high calorie”, American-style burgers and well as healthy options such as lettuce wraps.
  7. TaxAssist – United Kingdom Tax and accountancy franchise designed to help small business owners and the self-employed launched in Liverpool, New South Wales in April.
  8. Anytime Fitness – USA 24/7 gym chain Anytime Fitness has taken Australia by storm with flexible opening hours, affordability, allowing customers to work out on their terms.
  9. Dream Doors – United Kingdom Dream Doors was founded in 1999 as a cost effective way of refurbishing kitchens by re-facing all the cabinets.
  10. Tutor Doctor – Canada Founded by John Hooi, the education franchise arrived in Australia in 2014. The Canadian-based franchise offers one-on-one tutoring for young children and teenagers.
  11. Young Engineers – Israel Founded in 2008, Young Engineers enrichment programs combine education and entertainment with science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs.
  12. Brotzeit – Singapore Brotzeit is a German concept casual dining restaurant which opened in Perth in 2014. This marked the 20th international store for the Singaporean brand.
  13. McDonald’s – USA First opened in Des Plaines Ilinois in 1955, this household name opened its first Aussie restaurant in 1971 in the western Sydney suburb of Yagoona.
  14. Kumon- Japan Kumon Australia and New Zealand offers after-school learning programme nurtured by 31 years of expertise.  
  15. Pandora – Denmark Jewellery chain Pandora is a part-corporate and part-franchised business, which has taken a strong digital approach in recent years.
  16. New Zealand Natural – New Zealand Although the name says it all, this dessert brand is a global franchise network based out of Auckland and began franchising in 1990.
  17. Minuteman Press – USA This brand offers design, print and marketing products and services. It was founded in 1973 by Roy Titus and his son Bob in Plainview, New York from humble beginnings as a quick copy centre.
  18. Luxottica – Italy Founded in 1954 in Milan, this European brand is a leader in premium, luxury and sports eyewear.
  19. Guylian – Belgium Famous for those delectable chocolate seashells and delicious coffee, Guylian has five outlets in Australia.
  20. Franck Provost – France Franck Provost Paris has expanded from France around the world, clocking up a spread of 3000 salons worldwide for high-end salon services.
  21. Mini Raxevsky – Greece A fashion brand designed for infants, babies and juniors, Mini Raxevsky was founded in 1989 in Athens by Dimitra Raxevsky and Avedis Balian.
  22. Senior Helpers – USA Senior helpers started out from founders Tony Bonacuse and Peter Ross’s experiences caring for their respective family members and became an organisation tapping into a gap in elderly care market. The first office was opened in Baltimore, Maryland in 2002.  
  23. Movenpick – Switzerland Another household name; this gourmet, Swiss dessert brand dates back to 1948 and is renowned in Australia as it is internationally.