MrBeast's Sydney Burger Venture Sparks Debate Over Premium Pricing
The global phenomenon known as MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, is expanding his culinary empire with a new franchise location in Sydney. The American YouTuber, celebrated as the platform's wealthiest and most-subscribed creator, will soon inaugurate a MrBeast Burger outlet at the prestigious Chatswood Westfield shopping centre on the city's affluent North Shore.
Local shoppers have already glimpsed the forthcoming establishment, which is currently undergoing renovations, and a menu has been sighted and subsequently shared on the social platform Reddit. This preview has ignited a fervent discussion regarding the restaurant's pricing structure, casting a spotlight on the viability of influencer-led ventures in the competitive food and beverage sector.
Premium Menu Items Draw Immediate Scrutiny
The disclosed menu lists a signature Beast Style beef burger priced at a notable $20.90. A selection of chicken offerings, referred to as sandwiches within the eatery, are similarly positioned, costing between $19.90 and $20.90 for a single item. For patrons seeking a complete meal, combo deals that include fries and a drink alongside a burger are marked at $27.90.
This premium pricing strategy has not gone unnoticed by the Australian public. The Reddit thread featured pointed critiques from potential customers. One user pessimistically forecasted, 'Going to be closing down in six months,' while another stated bluntly, 'I'll be sure not to go.' A further comment reflected a broader scepticism towards celebrity endorsements, noting, 'I wouldn't be eating at an influencer's shop regardless, so prices kinda… don't matter?'
Parallel Expansion: The Beast Land Theme Park Project
This Sydney launch coincides with MrBeast's ambitious parallel venture into the entertainment industry. The social media titan, with an estimated net worth of $2.6 billion and a colossal subscriber base of 460 million, recently announced the imminent opening of his own theme park, named Beast Land, located in Saudi Arabia.
In a post on the platform X dated November 6, MrBeast proclaimed, 'Next week, Beast Land, our brand new theme park, opens!' He emphasised the park's unique attractions, stating it features custom games modelled directly after his viral videos and will house the world's largest prize wall.
The park's design philosophy breaks from tradition. 'I didn't want this to be like a typical theme park,' the 27-year-old explained. 'Thought of things from first principles and created games I would love to play. Tons of original games created, plus, of course, we have rollercoasters and rides.'
Attractions include 'Tower Siege', where participants load catapults to score points by landing balls in giant tubes, and 'Drop Zone', a game of nerve where the last player to press a lit button avoids a trap door drop. MrBeast cited his substantial Middle Eastern fanbase as a key reason for choosing Saudi Arabia as the location, aiming to give that audience a chance to participate directly in his creations.
MrBeast's Ongoing Australian Engagement
The YouTuber's connection to Australia was reinforced in 2024 when he travelled to the country to promote the nationwide launch of his Feastables chocolate bar. This visit underscores a strategic interest in the Australian market, now further cemented by the physical presence of a MrBeast Burger franchise.
Jimmy Donaldson's journey from posting his first video at age 13 in 2012 to becoming a billionaire business magnate illustrates the powerful convergence of digital influence and traditional commerce. The debut of his Sydney restaurant represents a significant test of whether his immense online popularity can successfully translate into a sustainable brick-and-mortar business model, especially one positioned at the higher end of the fast-food market.
As the Chatswood location prepares to open its doors, the industry will be watching closely to see if the allure of the MrBeast brand can overcome consumer price sensitivity and scepticism, setting a precedent for future influencer-led enterprises in the retail and hospitality spaces.
