Australia’s market-leading pizza chain is known for its innovations. Here, Bek Hebden, Domino’s head of development for Australia and New Zealand, explains more about the brand.

How long has the business been trading, and how long franchising?

Domino’s has been serving Australian customers since 1983 and has grown into one of the largest and most successful franchise networks in Australia and New Zealand. Over four decades, we’ve built a business powered by passionate franchisees, innovation and a relentless focus on delivering great value and convenience to customers.

What does it cost to buy a franchise?

The minimum turnkey investment to establish a Domino’s Pizza franchise typically starts from about $550,000, depending on location, store format and associated establishment costs.

What are the core areas of your company’s business?

Domino’s is one of the world’s leading pizza brands, specialising in pizza delivery, takeaway and carryout services. Our business combines quality food, operational excellence and industry-leading technology to deliver a convenient customer experience.

Who is a typical customer?

One of the strengths of Domino’s is that almost everyone is a potential customer. From busy families and students to young professionals and value-conscious consumers, our broad appeal allows us to serve a diverse range of communities. We continue to expand our reach through menu innovation, digital convenience and targeted marketing that keeps us relevant to changing consumer tastes and lifestyles.

What makes your brand stand out from the competition? 

Domino’s has long been recognised as a technology leader in the quick-service restaurant industry. Features such as digital ordering, GPS Driver Tracker, advanced store systems and data-driven customer engagement create a seamless ordering experience while helping franchisees operate more efficiently.

Combined with the scale of our network and purchasing power, this gives our franchisees advantages that are difficult for smaller operators to match.

Why is this a good business for a franchisee to buy into?

Franchisees join a globally recognised brand supported by proven systems, comprehensive training and ongoing business coaching. The strength of the brand, coupled with continuous innovation and established operating procedures, provides a strong foundation for long-term business growth.

Which element of franchisee support is the most well-received?

The support provided by our operations and business coaches is consistently one of the most valued aspects of the Domino’s franchise system. Many members of our support team have owned and operated Domino’s stores themselves, giving them firsthand experience and credibility when helping franchisees navigate challenges and opportunities.

That depth of experience runs through the entire network. In fact, some of the children of current and former franchisees have recently purchased their own stores, which speaks volumes about the confidence families have in the business model, the support structure and the long-term opportunities available within Domino’s.

How many hours a week does a franchisee typically work?

Like any successful business, franchise ownership requires commitment, particularly in the early stages. New franchisees should expect to be highly involved, often working 70 to 80 hours per week while recruiting, training and building a strong team culture.

The payoff comes as those systems and people are developed. Many of our most successful franchisees have transitioned from hands-on operators into multi-store business owners, creating leadership teams that allow them greater flexibility while continuing to grow their businesses.

What drives your growth strategy?

Our growth strategy is built around sustainable expansion, smart site selection and developing exceptional franchise partners. Rather than chasing growth for growth’s sake, we focus on identifying locations and opportunities that can deliver long-term success for both franchisees and the broader network.

What are your expansion plans for the next five years?

We see significant opportunity to continue growing across Australia and New Zealand through strategic new store development and deeper market penetration. Our focus is particularly strong in high-growth corridors and emerging suburban communities, where increasing population densities and changing consumer habits continue to drive demand for convenient food delivery and takeaway options.

By combining data-driven site selection with local market insights, we’re creating opportunities for franchisees while strengthening network coverage and customer accessibility across both countries.

Please share one exciting innovation/ development you have planned.

Innovation has always been a key differentiator for Domino’s. We continue to invest heavily in technology, automation, digital ordering and data-driven solutions that improve convenience for customers and profitability for franchisees.

While we can’t give away all the secrets behind the curtain, it’s fair to say there’s always something exciting in development. Staying ahead of industry trends and customer expectations is what has helped Domino’s become a market leader, and we’re constantly exploring new ways to make the experience even better for customers and franchisees alike.