MEET LAUREN: BurgerFuel Hataitai Store Manager

On what prompted her to apply, “The cool staff environment and the good food definitely attracted me to come and work here. The staff always looked like they were having fun and hanging out, while making dope burgers (which is exactly what we do!)”.

Lauren was promoted to Store Manager at the Cuba Street store prior to the March 2020 lockdown and has since moved store to manage BurgerFuel Hataitai. Finding the organisational aspect of running a store the most challenging initially, she soon realised that this was fundamental to managing a store and leading a team. She has also learnt first-hand, that a people and culture first approach can have a huge impact on the in-store environment.

“I enjoy the interactions with my staff and really try to make genuine, compassionate relationships with everyone I work with. It really helps with the atmosphere in the kitchen! I think being a store manager has enriched my inter-personal skills and, of course, my organisation and leading skills too. I know that'll definitely carry through to any jobs I pursue later in life.”

On what has been the highlight so far: “The highlight of my time here is 100% the people I've met and get to work with. We all get along well and working with friends makes it really comfortable and fun, especially on busy nights! I would also say, being a part of this ad was pretty damn cool - getting to see behind the scenes and doing something I never thought I'd do. And being flown up to Auckland with my partner for the experience was awesome too!”

Lauren and Jackson spend as much time as they can travelling the country in their self-contained van. They’ve done some miles around the lower North Island and have plans to live in their van full time. She “bloody loves” Wellington City and her passion for her hometown is infectious.

“Wellington is such a good city. It's so funky and in my opinion really allows people to express their individuality. The views here are so awesome and the city is surrounded by so many bush walks, which I love to do in my spare time. It's a very student-based city, I'd say, so the vibe is pretty chill and, oh my gosh… the food. I'm obsessed with food and have so many places I love to eat. That's definitely a hobby of mine, for sure! Aunty Menas is an AMAZING Malaysian restaurant and my best friend and I have literally been going there for 10 years. As well as the chilli oil dumplings from Rams, I also love to go to the restaurant, Mexico, with Jackson - they have the best Margaritas!".

Keep being rad, Lauren.