Are you looking for a franchise brand that’s home grown and true blue Aussie?  Perhaps it’s a family-owned firm? Maybe it’s a new kid on the block? It may be a well-established household name.

Here are some of the brands in the franchise sector that are Australian-owned and operated and reflect the diversity of our nation.

Bakers Delight began in Hawthorn, Melbourne, in 1980 and has grown to a network of more than 700 bakeries across four countries. Last year founders Roger and Lesley Gillespie handed the reins of the business to daughter Elise and son-in-law David Christie, but they retain a strong interest in the development of this chain of neighbourhood outlets.

Chocolateria San Churro is a Spanish inspired, Australian success story. With more than 50 stores across the country, the brand has been trading on a universal love of chocolate since launching in 2004. The business began franchising two years later. Franchisees operate in individually architect-designed stores.

Croc’s Playcentre is all about children’s indoor play and was established in 2008. The business signed up with Muffin Break to bring in its cafes on-site, and has a loyalty program to help build repeat business.

Ferguson Plarre Bakehouses is owned and managed by the Plarre family – the original company started baking back in 1901 and franchising began in 1988. Today there is still a commitment to family and delivering good quality. The business model provides franchisees with ready-baked goods, and has introduced a coffee offer.

Fernwood Women’s Health Clubs was launched back in 1989 by Diana Williams, who is still involved in the business today and is a franchise Hall of Fame inductee. It’s a highly awarded franchise system that has changed its full service gym offer to keep up with fitness trends.

Hog’s Australia has been dishing up burgers, steaks and salads for nearly 30 years. Today there are more than 80 casual dining licensed outlets across Australia and New Zealand. New to the business is the Hog’s Express store model which takes the concept to food courts, shopping centres and travel centres.

Jim’s Mowing is a well-established brand that started what has become an empire of more than 50 different divisions. Founder Jim Penman started his business in 1989 and the low-level investment franchise has remained a familiar brand across Australia’s neighbourhoods.

Pack & Send Australia has embraced the internet shopping trend, spotting a massive opportunity for its franchisees to bring in more business. The logistics firm was established to provide an easy way for individuals to ship goods, and for more than 20 years the focus has been on a ‘no limits’ attitude. Founder Michael Paul still heads up the business.

Poolwerx has focused on service since the business was launched by John O’Brien back in 1992. Its model has a four tier offer, allowing the mobile van franchisee to escalate their investment into multiple vans, then a hub and spoke retail outlet, and multiple retail stores. Most recently O’Brien took the brand to the US marketplace.

Roll’d Vietnamese Street Food is inspired by the unique flavours and culture of Bao Hoang’s background. He and the family arrived by boat as refugees and years later, with a friend and cousin, Hoang started out what was to become the Roll’d phenomenon. Today the chain has more than 65 Australian outlets, and launches in the Philippines this year.

Rozzi’s Italian Canteen is a relative newbie on the franchise scene. This casual Italian eaterie was established in Melbourne in 2011, starting its franchise growth just one year later. It’s a collaboration between seasoned hospitality and business operators with 25 years experience. You can find the outlets in shopping centres and local shopping strips.

Schnitz has been a family business since Polish-born schnitzel expert Roman Dyduk set up the first restaurant in 1975. Now the 70+ restaurants in the chain offer a healthier pan-cooked schnitzel using fresh ingredients, and the network keeps on growing.

Shingle Inn Cafes has a long Australian heritage. Flashback to 1936 and the launch of this cafe and bakery in Brisbane and 82 years later the brand is still going strong. The cafe’s distinct approach is focused on creating a warm and comfortable ambience, and creating bespoke and hand-crafted sweet delights.

SumoSalad has been instrumental in building the healthy eating phenomenon across Australia, starting in 2003 with a vision to give Australians easy access to nutritious and healthy takeaway food. With more than 100 outlets across Australia, the brand has gone international with sites in New Zealand, Singapore and Dubai.

These are just a taster of some of the home-grown businesses attracting keen franchise buyers. Find more opportunities here.