- NeNe Chicken is a South Korean fried chicken brand that arrived in Australia in 2015 and is managed locally by ST Group.
- Early reporting put the initial investment at about $500,000 to $700,000, and resale listings show a wide range of weekly sales.
- Sauces and batter are sourced from Korea, so supply pricing and currency movements matter.
NeNe Chicken was established in South Korea in 1999 and opened in Australia in 2015. The Australian network is managed by ST Group, which also runs PappaRich, Gong Cha and Ippudo, and had around 40 stores by 2023.
This guide sets out what has been reported about the NeNe Chicken franchise and what we would test before you buy.
NeNe Chicken franchise at a glance
| Founded | 1999, South Korea |
|---|---|
| In Australia since | 2015 |
| Australian operator | ST Group |
| Stores | Around 40 in Australia (2023 reporting) |
| Reported investment | About $500,000 to $700,000 (2016 reporting) |
| Supply | Marinade, batter mix and sauces sourced from Korea |
Figures come from the public sources listed at the end of this guide and can change. Treat them as a starting point and confirm current numbers in the franchise disclosure document.
How the NeNe Chicken model works financially
A NeNe Chicken store cooks fried chicken to order, so it needs fryers, ventilation and trained kitchen staff. Chicken and imported sauces and batter are the main food costs, and imported inputs can be affected by exchange rates and shipping costs. Wages and shopping centre rent are the other large costs.
Many stores sit in busy shopping centres and rely on delivery as well as walk-in trade. Resale listings show stores at very different sales levels, which is a reminder that location drives results.
The numbers to test before you buy a NeNe Chicken franchise
- Weekly sales and the trend over at least two years.
- Chicken and imported ingredient costs as a percentage of sales.
- Wages, including weekend and evening rates.
- Occupancy cost as a share of sales.
- Royalty, marketing and any supply margins.
- Delivery commissions and channel mix.
Buying an existing NeNe Chicken store
Established NeNe Chicken stores are regularly listed for sale, often marketed with weekly sales and owner earnings figures. Treat those as claims to verify: match sales to BAS and bank statements, and rebuild owner earnings with a market wage for the work the owner does.
How Franchise Co. can help with a NeNe Chicken purchase
We work with buyers and owners of franchise businesses across Australia. For a NeNe Chicken store we can:
- Review the numbers before you sign. Our business due diligence starts from $2,000 + GST and tests weekly sales, ingredient and wage costs, rent and broker earnings claims.
- Set up the structure and the books. Entity choice, GST, payroll and a chart of accounts that tracks imported ingredient costs and delivery commissions. See accounting and tax and bookkeeping, BAS and payroll.
- Check your franchise fees. We reconcile royalties and marketing contributions to the sales they’re calculated on. See royalties and franchise fees.
- Plan the next store. If a second site is on the cards, we model the cash flow and funding first. See multi-site reporting.
NeNe Chicken franchise FAQs
How much does a NeNe Chicken franchise cost?
Reporting in 2016 put the initial investment at about $500,000 to $700,000. Costs depend on store format and location, so confirm current figures in the disclosure document.
Who runs NeNe Chicken in Australia?
ST Group manages NeNe Chicken in Australia and holds the franchise and licensing rights.
How many NeNe Chicken stores are in Australia?
The company said it had around 40 stores in Australia in 2023.
Can you check the earnings in a resale listing?
Yes. We verify sales and owner earnings against BAS and bank records as part of our business due diligence.
Are there NeNe Chicken franchises for sale?
Yes, existing NeNe Chicken businesses come up for sale from time to time. Look for resale listings from the franchisor, business brokers and sites such as SEEK Business. Any purchase needs the franchisor’s consent, and you should receive the disclosure document and franchise agreement at least 14 days before the transfer is approved. Ask for three years of accounts, sales reports and the lease, and check how long is left on the franchise term.
Franchise Co. is an independent accounting practice. We aren’t affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to NeNe Chicken or ST Group. NeNe Chicken is a trademark of its owner and is used here only to identify the brand this guide discusses.
Sources and further reading
- Newshub: NeNe Chicken expansion
- Franchise Business: NeNe Chicken
- ACCC: Franchise disclosure document
Sources checked November 2026. Franchise costs and fees change. Confirm current figures with the franchisor before acting.
This guide is general information for people considering a franchise in Australia. It doesn’t take your circumstances into account and isn’t personal tax, legal or financial advice.
Talk it through
Every franchise is different. Ask us how this applies to yours.
