Christchurch Burgers and Beers bar

The Christchurch restaurants offer a mix of burger and beer combinations. Photo / Supplied

ABC Business Sales is marketing Burgers and Beers businesses at two busy Christchurch locations.

Broker Sami Chesterton says the Colombo St Burgers and Beers restaurant is particularly well-placed, next to one of Canterbury's elite retail malls, The Colombo.

This operation, at 355 Colombo St, Sydenham, has experienced huge growth and continues to be profitable, says Chesterton.

"Further opportunity exists, with a new residential development of 1-3 bedroom apartments designed for inner-city living being built directly opposite the Colombo St store."

On the back of Colombo St Burgers and Beers' success, the Cranford St store opened in 2012.

This store, at 78 Cranford St, in Redwood, has replicated the traditional American diner style fit-out, but with additional floor space and kitchen facilities. Both sites are included in the sale.

"What sets Burgers and Beers apart from most other burger joints is that it is licensed and the quality of the ingredients is second to none. The menu offers an original and eclectic mix of tasty burger and beer combinations.

"The owners have taken great pride in developing their brand. The customer base is wide-ranging and includes an unusual mix of urbanites, professionals students, musicians and cafe dwellers.

"Due to the appeal among such a diverse group of people the stores have a busy all-day and late-night trade."

She says the brand has been an institution in Christchurch for years and continues to have a cult following.

"This is an opportunity to purchase a profitable, popular business. The strength is in the brand and an enterprising buyer could build on that - they could roll it out nationwide with a licensing, or franchise model.

"So these operations represent an ideal opportunity for expansion. There is a cash surplus for both business locations of more than $300,000."

Chesterton believes even with its famous rebuild trailing off now, Christchurch remains an excellent place to do business.

"The latest economic report from the Canterbury Development Corporation predicts a period low growth for Christchurch, but high activity, as the $40 billion rebuild plateaus. The report says that the rebuild is about 10 per cent on top of the underlying economy, so Christchurch will remain a busy place to live and work for several years.

"Unemployment in the city and region is three per cent, against a national average of almost six per cent, and is expected to remain below the New Zealand level for at least a year. And outside of the rebuild, tourism, manufacturing and high-tech sectors continue to perform well," says Chesterton.

"In this context, it indicates there are plenty of discerning customers to market to in Christchurch - all with money in their pocket for good quality beverages and fast food meals."