BurgerFuel

PALMY PROUD

Posted by BurgerFuel

BurgerFuel Palmerston North has been a fixture on Fitzherbert Ave for 14 long years. Nestled amongst a collection of eateries, the modern black façade stands out even more when franchisee Ryan’s 1971 Valiant Charger is parked in its pride of place, at the storefront.

Ryan, originally from Wellington, opened the first and only store in the Manawatu in 2006 and maintains his passion for the brand hasn’t waned, “I love being part of a badass NZ brand that is always looking to standout”, he says, “I believe that work is a large portion of your life, so you better enjoy what you do. I love what I do and jump out of bed everyday, looking forward to the day ahead”.

Ryan had extensive experience in developing and managing many quick service restaurants before embarking on his BurgerFuel journey. It was the “style, quality and social awareness” of the brand, that appealed to him when he was searching for an opportunity to own his own business “It’s great to feel this vibe company-wide, from HQ to everyone who works in the brand”. 

He has a reputation amongst his franchisee peers for operational excellence, which stood him in good stead to have the fortuity to expand into the new BurgerFuel Group concept brand, Shake Out.

Visit Ryan in his hometown and you’ll get a taste of how proud he is of his city. He might take you for a coffee at Café Cuba or show you the Esplanade, where he, wife (Jo) and their two little ones (Olive and Baxter) spend time. He embraces the cultural heritage and urban street art that makes up the city and you won’t get far without him stopping to chat with a passerby, “So many of my customers have become my good friends. This is what makes doing business in a place like Palmy so great – everyone supports local business and I feel a great sense of backing from our community”.

Palmerston North Creative, Sweet mural designed by @Haser _NZ and executed by @swiftmantis: On Ryan’s dream muscle car, his 1971 Valiant Charger, “I have wanted this car my whole life, so it is a dream I get to have this car and call it work!  I purchased it in 2007 and have recently had a new crate engine, along with new upholstery. There's nothing I like more than taking the Charger out for a drive on a sunny day”