Japanese Burger Chain Closes Remaining Australian Branches

MOS Burger is pulling out of Australia completely. Alex Lepe/TNS

MOS Burger, a Japanese brand, has announced it will leave the Australian market by September.

All three affected outlets are in Queensland: Sunnybank, Southport, and Upper Mount Gravatt. The first branch in Sunnybank opened in 2011.

The second-biggest fast-food chain in Japan announced the decision on Aug. 22 through social media.

“After much consideration, we have made the difficult decision to close all MOS Burger locations in Australia. Our last day of trading will be Aug. 31, 2024,” reads a social media post of the company.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support and love you’ve shown us over the years. Serving you and being part of your lives has been an honour, and we will always cherish the memories made together.”

MOS Burger, known as “Mountain, Ocean, Sun,” was founded in Japan in 1972. The brand has since opened more than 1,300 restaurants in Japan, making it a major competitor of McDonald’s and bento brand Hotto Motto in the country.

It also has around 400 restaurants across Asian countries, including Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, and South Korea.

How many employees in Australia will be affected by the closure of MOS Burger is not yet known.

“Thank you for making MOS Burger a special place in Australia. We hope to continue spreading happiness and great food wherever the MOS Burger journey takes us next,” reads the brand’s post.

“Stay tuned for updates, and please visit us one last time before we say goodbye.”

While the company did not specify the reason for exiting the Australian market, the decision came amid a difficult year for the entire hospitality industry in the country.

Based on the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)’s annual insolvency data published in July, the accommodation and food services sector has seen a 15 percent insolvency rate, making it the second-highest sector on the list after the construction sector.

A quarterly survey in April by Suicide Prevention Australia reveals that cost of living pressure has become the top reason for suicidal behaviour in the country.

Across Australia, the average percentage of people reporting struggling with everyday expenses is 50 percent, with Victoria the highest at 54 percent. For the first time in the survey’s history, cost-of-living distress doubled all other economic and social issues that led to suicidal thoughts.

The Epoch Times has reached out to MOS Burger Australia for comment.