Meet the Crew - Mendrado

How did you first get involved with BurgerFuel?

‍I was a regular at my local BurgerFuel, the atmosphere was always pumping. I ended up applying for a Store Manager role when a friend mentioned there was one up for grabs. Now, I am an Area Manager for Parnell and Pt Chev, which involves supporting and building our team. Everything I love about the BurgerFuel brand, I get to do in this role. I’m part of something bigger and am in a position where I get to dip into all parts of the business. They put a lot of faith in me, I like that responsibility. They also know I bring a diverse perspective and I feel that opinion matters to them. I have a voice, they know my skills and let me use them. I’m learning so much and getting to put my ideas into action!

What was the thing that attracted you the most to BurgerFuel?

Definitely the atmosphere and the culture. Whenever you go into a store, the staff are smiling, the music is pumping and it’s a different experience from the usual. The Pt Chev and Parnell environments amplify all of these qualities for me, that’s what attracted me to this franchise group in the first place. Our focus is bringing that quintessential BurgerFuel experience to every customer. It's so rewarding hearing people comment on it, reading the reviews online and interacting with the regulars, we have worked so hard to build over the last few years!

What do you tell your mates and family about BurgerFuel, what are the perks and best parts of being part of the store staff?

I don’t need to tell them, they can see it! They know I am happy to come to work, they feel the energy when they get into the stores. They see me working hard behind the scenes and know that I am challenged, supported and that my skillset is valued. I get to step back and look at the bigger picture, to problem solve. They know that being in a job where your own personal development is valued as well as the development of the business is unusual. I’ve got a lot of energy and I’m a thinker, here I get to use both of these.

What motivates and makes you proud to represent the BurgerFuel brand?

BurgerFuel captures the whole idea of a great New Zealand business. The brand is strong, but people know we are locally owned by passionate and involved franchisees. We as a brand, and a team, have shown we can get behind Aotearoa during tough times. We are diverse, energetic and never stuck in our old ways. The business is always evolving, whilst maintaining its core values. The family focus and feel is key. That’s the type of place I am proud to be a part of.

What is one of the greatest opportunities BurgerFuel has given you?

Where I am at right now, watching our business develop as an Area Manager has been my greatest opportunity. How do we sustain this energy? What is next? BurgerFuel is a pretty dynamic work place and pushing this to the limit is my focus everyday. What a job! Adapting to this crazy world around us over the last couple of years has taught me a lot. Supporting our staff, making sure the brand and it’s people are safe and thinking about the next steps as our country moves forward has been challenging and rewarding all at once. In my role, I am learning from the best, I have a voice in the important operational and HR decisions and I receive the support I need to develop as a leader. Not just a BurgerFuel leader, but personal skills and development also. They're things I will carry through life.

What is one thing you would say to any potential individual who is looking to work at BurgerFuel?

Get amongst it! This is a brand you can invest in. Whether your future is in the hospitality industry or not. The skills and experience you will pick up here have limitless potential. If you’re in it for the long haul the opportunities are everywhere, to utilise your skillset and interests, and pick up new ones. You won’t be stuck doing the same thing day in and out and most definitely won’t regret it.

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"Mendrado joined us In 2019, a couple of months after we bought our first store. He came with a wealth of BurgerFuel knowledge and made an immediate impact on our business. He has an amazing worth ethic and passion for the brand. He leads by example, meeting every challenge with positivity and enthusiam, and the very high expectations he sets himself lifts the bar for the all the staff. Mendrado also knows how to have fun and is a great guy to be around. Hiring Mendrado Is the best decision we've made and we see a long future ahead working together." - Mark Hughes, Owner of BurgerFuel Parnell & BurgerFuel Pt Chev.