Navigating the evolving QSR landscape: how CFS supports operators

Australia’s Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) industry is growing fast and with more and more international brands such as Firehouse Subs and Wendy’s entering the market, alongside the expansion of Australian brands such as Zeus Street Greek, it’s clear the category won’t be slowing down anytime soon.

So, how do QSR businesses remain competitive as competition intensifies and consumer expectations continue to evolve?

For QSR buying and procurement teams specifically, the challenge is no longer just sourcing quality products, it’s finding supply partners who can:

1. keep pace with growth,

2. deliver consistency across every venue, and

3. help protect margins in an increasingly competitive landscape.

   
   

For growing QSR businesses, choosing the right supplier has never been more important and has become a strategic advantage for long-term success.  

Creative Food Solutions (CFS) and Andrews Meat Industries (AMI), backed by the strength of JBS Australia's vertically integrated network, help QSR operators balance reliability, consistency and innovation. Whether you're responsible for procurement, operations, menu development or overall business performance, having confidence in your supply chain is essential to supporting growth.

QSR operators get the best of both worlds when working with Creative Food Solutions: the scale, strength and security of Australia’s largest protein producer, as well as the flexibility to tailor solutions for venues. Whether it’s developing patties to meet specific dimensions, creating your own signature sauce at scale, or any other product innovation designed to simplify back-of-house operations, our team can work with you to create solutions that support efficiency and consistency as well as menu differentiation.  

While the outlook for the industry is positive, it’s not without its challenges. From rising competition, labour and supply chain pressures to shifting consumer expectations, QSR businesses have plenty to navigate. Read on as we explore some of the key challenges and trends shaping the industry today.

THE QSR INDUSTRY: CURRENT CHALLENGES

QSR operators face a challenging environment shaped by multiple pressures:

• Ongoing labour shortages

• Rising input costs and increased competition

• Continued supply chain volatility

KEY TRENDS SHAPING THE QSR INDUSTRY

1. The rise of the conscious consumer

Today’s consumers are becoming more deliberate in their purchasing decisions as cost-of-living pressures rise. What’s interesting is that they’re not simply seeking the lowest price, rather greater value for money. At the same time, they’re also increasingly focused on health and nutrition.

Key shifts include:

• Growing demand for healthier menu options.

• Increased focus on high-protein diets, driven by lifestyle and fitness trends as well as medical influences such as GLP-1 medications.

• The move toward high-protein, nutrient-dense diets signals a long-term mentality shift rather than a passing trend, as evidenced by the updates to the U.S food pyramid.

Plain pulled chicken by Creative Food Solutions

How CFS supports this trend:

• Sous vide is a healthy cooking method that a) extends shelf life, b) reduces yield loss and c) preserves nutrients while delivering consistent quality for each venue.

• Simple, high-protein options, such as CFS’s plain pulled chicken, help venues to cater to health-conscious consumers seeking clean-label choices, and adapt it further if required.

• Pre-cooked, healthy options reduce kitchen complexity, allowing operators to deliver healthier meals without adding operational strain.

2. The growth of off-premise dining

---

“Drive is actually not about how well you build the drive-thru... it’s about

how well that kitchen supports speed of service, accuracy, and quality.”

– Richard Wallis, Flynn Group Asia Pacific president

---

Off-premise formats (including grab & go, drive-thru, and delivery) continue to grow in the QSR sector. These channels place increased pressure on speed, accuracy, and consistency.

As Flynn Group Asia-Pacific president Richard Wallis put it when discussing Wendy’s plan to open more than 15 drive-thrus in the next 2 years; “Drive is actually not about how well you build the drive-thru…it's about how well that kitchen supports speed of service, accuracy, and quality.”

CFS Chilli Con Carne

How CFS supports this trend:

• Pre-cooked solutions significantly reduce preparation and cooking time, saving time and labour costs

• Pre-portioned products ensure consistency in serving size and cost control

• Ready-to-use menu items, such as CFS’s slow-cooked brisket and Chilli Con Carne, enable faster assembly without compromising on flavour or quality

3. Borderless cuisine and flavour innovation

Globalisation, migration, and social media have expanded consumer awareness of international cuisines. Today’s diners are more adventurous and seek authentic, globally inspired flavour experiences. McDonald’s recent Menu Heist campaign tapped into this appetite, bringing globally popular menu items to Australian shores and allowing consumers to experience international favourites without leaving the country.

This trend has fuelled demand for:

• Fusion concepts and innovative menu items

• Traditional cooking techniques such as sous vide, smoking, marinating, and brining

• Bold and unique flavour profiles

CFS Carne Asada

  How CFS supports this trend:

• One of a kind, industry-leading sous vide technology allows operators to use traditional cooking methods at scale while maintaining consistency and efficiency

• Value-added processing techniques, such as brining, smoking, and marinating at scale, help operators to deliver complex flavours without adding operational complexity

• Strong partnerships with leading flavour houses, give operators access to the latest and most innovative flavour profiles

4. Efficiency as a competitive advantage

With ongoing cost pressures and operational challenges, efficiency is essential for QSR operators.

Pre-cooked solutions provide tangible benefits:

• Reduced reliance on skilled labour

• Faster speed of service

• Lower yield loss and minimised food waste

• Consistent product quality across venues

Creative Food Solutions' Bone In Lamb Shoulder

By simplifying back-of-house processes, operators deliver a better customer experience while maintaining tighter cost control.

SUMMARY: PARTNERING FOR SUCCESS

To remain competitive in today’s growing and evolving QSR landscape, operators must balance multiple priorities; delivering value, offering innovative flavours, and maintaining operational simplicity.

Achieving this consistently at scale is where CFS adds real value. We support our customers with:

• Speed – streamlined prep, cooking, and assembly

• Consistency – reliable quality, flavour, and portion control

• Food safety – trusted processes and the highest standards

• Menu flexibility – adaptable solutions for evolving trends

• Supply chain reliability – backed by JBS scale and integration

• Partnership – a collaborative approach tailored to customer needs

  
  

At CFS, we partner with QSR operators to build resilient, efficient and adaptable businesses. Whether you’re looking to simplify operations, unlock menu innovation or strengthen your supply chain, contact our team to discuss how we can support you.