Meet: Marina

Tell us a bit about you and your story — what’s your background, where did you grow up, etc?

I’m originally from Moscow, Russia, and moving to New Zealand about 10 years ago was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I studied Business and Administration at Massey University while working in hospitality during my studies—classic student hustle. That’s where I discovered how much I genuinely love fast-paced environments, people, and all the chaos that comes with it.

I always knew I wanted to build something of my own—something real, something with heart. When franchising came into the picture, BurgerFuel ticked every box. It had flavour, energy, and a purpose I connected with. Now, I get to live that dream every day running BurgerFuel Mt.Roskill.

What drew you to the brand and made you want to be a part of the BurgerFuel family?

BurgerFuel isn’t your typical franchise—it’s got heart. From the bold flavours and car-themed burger names to the creativity and attitude, it just stands out. There’s something iconic about it, and you can feel that buzz the moment you walk through the door. I love that we serve real, honest food—gourmet burgers made with natural ingredients you can actually feel good about.

Pavel—my partner and co-conspirator in life—and I were fans from the start, but when the opportunity came up, I knew I wanted to lead it.

What do you love about BurgerFuel?

The people, the vibe, and the brand’s commitment to being unapologetically itself. It’s bold, it’s fast, it’s creative—and I love that BurgerFuel gives you the freedom to be yourself while being part of something bigger.

Also, I have to say—the kumara fries with house-made aioli are dangerously addictive.

Is there anything you can tell us about your local community and how important it is to you as a BurgerFuel franchisee?

Being part of the Mt. Roskill community means everything to me. It’s not just about feeding people—it’s about hiring local legends, supporting nearby businesses, showing up for community events, and being that familiar place where people feel welcome.

Other than your store, what’s your favourite place to goin your community?

Our local parks! We have two wild little boys who needconstant entertainment, so you’ll usually find us chasing them aroundplaygrounds. Bonus points if there’s good coffee nearby.

What’s your favourite BurgerFuel burger (including any modifiers)?

Bacon Backfire with pineapple and egg, low carb—gotta keep my protein up! I’m also completely obsessed with the new blue cheese sauce—seriously, I could put it on everything. I love cheese a little too much.

What is your best BurgerFuel hack?

Unzip the box or grab a doofer and hold on tight. These burgers are juicy, messy, and full of flavour—you will need backup. If it’s not dripping down your hands, you haven’t unlocked the full BurgerFue lexperience. Embrace it. It’s yum. 😋

Do you own a BurgerFuel machine? If so, what is it?

If my two boys count as high-performance engines, then definitely. Otherwise, I’m still working on building my dream garage. One day!

Random fact about yourself?

I love dancing! Kitchen dance parties are a daily thing in our house—music cranked, socks sliding, kids laughing. It’s the perfect way to start or end a big day.

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