Despite the burger market being saturated by many a food franchise, BurgerFuel’s chief executive Josef Roberts said that the company will be opening more New Zealand (and international) restaurants.

Roberts said that in the 12 months to late March BurgerFuel opened 17 new restaurants, which takes the total to 72 (40 were established in New Zealand).

“The New Zealand business continues to perform well despite heavy competition in what is fast becoming an overcrowded market of food offerings, not just in burgers but in food generally,” Roberts said.

Australia has been in BurgerFuel’s sights for expansion with five franchise businesses opening here, taking the total to seven in the country.

The food franchise said it will continue to expand in Australia and New Zealand, with a stabilised business plan moving forward.

“We see the road ahead there as slow but steady. We liken it to starting the business in New Zealand almost 20 years ago. It will take time to build year on year sales and grow distribution,” Roberts said.