With six BurgerFuel stores peppered across the Garden City, you might think that brand recognition or awareness would be a challenge in such a big city, with so few and far between stores. But with dedicated store owners working tirelessly on local store marketing initiatives and building lasting business relationships, this simply isn’t the case for our BurgerFuel Christchurch fam.
We have two sets of franchisees who own 3 stores a piece. Malte and Stephan; two business partners and German gentlemen with impeccable manners and an intense passion for delivering exceptional customer service, own BurgerFuel Spitfire Square, Bush Inn and Ferrymead. Dan and Tash Chima; a young couple who have worked hard to establish on-brand business partnerships and are super engaged with their staff, own BurgerFuel Hereford Street, Papanui and Sydenham.
What made them want to get into the burger biz? Read on to hear a little about their stories.
Malte fell in love with Aotearoa in 2010 when on sabbatical. Tragedy struck just before his holiday had nearly come to an end and the Christchurch earthquake set him on a new path, helping locals with insurances and getting back on their feet. He subsequently met Stephan, who needed some support in establishing his small goods business, and a friendship was born. They came across an opportunity in the highly competitive and everchanging hospitality market. Jumping at the challenge, they became the first BurgerFuel franchisees in the South Island.
Drawn to the fun and uniqueness of this Kiwi burger joint, they resonated with the brand’s strong stance on the store owner being heavily involved in their community – essentially presenting as ‘Mr BurgerFuel’. They adopted this from the get-go and today it is still paramount to them, “the community recognises and appreciates that BurgerFuel franchisees are the faces of their business” says Malte.
Head to BurgerFuel Bush Inn, Ferrymead or Bush Inn to meet the guys and their fantastic team. You won’t be disappointed.
BurgerFuel Bush Inn: Bush Inn Shopping Centre, Cnr Riccarton And Waimairi Roads, Riccarton, Christchurch | 03 341 1159
BurgerFuel Ferrymead: 1005 Ferry Rd, Ferrymead, Christchurch | 03 376 6444
BurgerFuel Spitfire Square: Spitfire Square Shopping Centre, Corner Of Memorial Ave & Peter Leeming Rds, Christchurch | 03 357 1004
Dan & Tash
Dan & Tash, both born and bred in Christchurch, have two beautiful children, Lucas, and Indi. Their children have been a part of their BurgerFuel journey from the very start, with Indi being born the week before their first store opening, BurgerFuel Papanui.
Keen ‘Foodies’, they knew a good thing when they saw it, according to Tash, “we discovered BurgerFuel and absolutely loved it - we probably ate it once or twice a week. We loved the whole vibe, the burgers were all incredible and we instinctively wanted to be a part of it”. Due to the complexity of finding the right site in a still broken city, things took a little longer than they hoped, but they eventually opened the second ever store in Christchurch and were over the moon.
Their stores hold true to the BurgerFuel vibe of 'fun, fast and loud' and you can feel that enthusiasm through the staff, when dining at their stores.
Come meet Dan, Tash and the team! Delivery is also currently avaialable at their stores, so you can get burgers delivered right to your door, Doofer and all!
BurgerFuel Hereford St: 120 Hereford St, Christchurch Central | 03 365 6666
BurgerFuel Papanui: 485 Papanui Rd, Christchurch | 03 352 2557
BurgerFuel Sydenham: 290 Colombo St, Sydenham, Christchurch | 03 332 1777
