US-Owned Fast Foods To Boycott - And What To Eat Instead
- Gregory Andrews
- Mar 25
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 25
Australians spend billions on fast food each year. But when you grab a burger or burrito, do you know who you’re really giving your money to? It’s not just about where the food is made. It’s about who owns the brand and what your money funds.
Here’s my practical guide to boycotting US-owned fast food chains in Australia - and what to eat instead.
US-Owned Chains to Boycott:
1. McDonald’s – The world’s biggest fast food chain. US-owned. Proudly supports Trump.
→ Why avoid? Monopolistic practices, poor labour conditions, and massive global influence.
2. Hungry Jacks – technically Australian, but pays franchise fees to Burger King.
→ Just as bad for you as Maccas.
3. KFC – US-owned and linked to Pepsi.
→ Heavy reliance on factory farming and marketing to kids.
4. Pizza Hut – Same as KFC.
→ Mostly US-sourced ingredients and global tax-avoidance strategies.
5. Subway – US-owned and franchised.
→ Aggressive expansion has hurt local cafes and small sandwich shops.
6. Domino’s – forced to pay royalties and licensing fees to the US parent.
→ Grew under a US franchise model.
7. Starbucks – Massive US multinational with aggressive global expansion.
8. Krispy Kreme – US brand, owned by JAB Holding Company (US-based).
Aussie-Owned or Non-US Chains Worth Supporting:
1. Grill’d – Australian-owned, uses local ingredients, and leans into sustainability.
2. Oliver’s Real Food – 100% Australian-owned, healthy and organic fast food.
3. Soul Origin – Aussie chain offering salads, sandwiches, and coffee.
4. Sushi Hub / Hero Sushi – Mostly locally owned and supporting small franchisees.
5. Kingsleys - if you’re in Canberra, this is seriously the best fried chicken.
6. Fish & Chip Shops / Local Vietnamese and Kebabs – Family-run, culturally diverse, hyperlocal.
Why Ownership Matters:
Even if your burger is cooked here in Australia, if the profits go to Wall Street or US billionaires, you’re still supporting a system that funds:
• Anti-climate political lobbying
• Far-right candidates, fascism and political extremism (hello Trump, Musk, and co.)
US bullying of other countries like Ukraine, Canada, Denmark, Panama and Australia!
• Extractive global practices that harm workers and the environment.
Please share this post to get the message out.
And check out my related #BoycottUSProducts posts.👇🏽
If you’re in Melbourne you might already know about 300 Grams burgers, truly wonderful, locally made and owned! https://www.300grams.com.au/our-story/