BurgerFuel opens seventh Dubai store

BurgerFuel Worldwide is continuing its Middle Eastern expansion by opening another store in Dubai.

The fast food chain and franchisor, which already has a strong presence in the region, has opened its doors to customers at its seventh Dubai restaurant in the Al Barsha Mall.

BurgerFuel's franchisee partner in the United Arab Emirates, Al Khayyat Investments said Al Barsha was a newly developed residential area in west Dubai.

The mall is close to popular developments like Dubai Internet City, Dubai Marina and The Palm and is a popular spot with locals, said Farah George Farah, general manager of the franchisee.

Farah said the New Zealand-based company was now the largest gourmet burger brand in Dubai for both expats and locals.

Chris Mason, Burger Fuel's head of international markets, said these were exciting times for the company in the Middle East.

"We are pleased to see so much interest coming from local developers who have seen BurgerFuel take off and want to see our concept in their malls or buildings."

BurgerFuel has increased its exposure to the Middle East by signing master licensing agreements, which earns the company up-front territory fees and on-going royalties based on store turnover.

The fast food chain is part of the Beachheads Global public-private partnership run by New Zealand Trade & Enterprise, designed to provide mentoring for high-growth local companies.

The company now has stores in four Middle Eastern countries - the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Egypt.

It has plans to expand into Kuwait, Qatar, Libya, Lebanon, and China, with some of these new stores set to include drive throughs.

BurgerFuel is listed on the New Zealand stock exchange and shares are currently trading at $1.68.

The company went public in 2007, when it sold 15 million shares at $1 each.