Meet the Franchisee: Nate

Meet Nathan Lardelli: BurgerFuel Te Awamutu

For Nathan Lardelli, BurgerFuel stopped being just a job a long time ago.

These days, he reckons it is pretty much in the DNA.

Nathan has owned BurgerFuel Te Awamutu since 2021, or as he puts it, “Covid times lol”, but his connection with the brand stretches back much further through sport, personal training, BurgerFuel bootcamps and plenty of time spent getting amongst the wider BurgerFuel world.

Engineered in Hawke’s Bay

Nathan grew up in Napier, a self-described product of the 80s and 90s, complete with an undercut, grunge culture and pretty much every sport under the sun.

A decent chunk of his childhood was also spent playing cul-de-sac cricket with the neighbours until dusk.

That obsession with sport and performance eventually led him to the University of Waikato, where he studied Sport and Leisure Science.

The skillset came in handy later, with Nathan working as a personal trainer while also collaborating with BurgerFuel HQ on initiatives including bootcamps and B.A.D.

From burgers to something bigger

Nathan was first introduced to BurgerFuel after moving to Hamilton for study.

At first, it was the obvious stuff that caught his attention.

“It started with the burger and the environment. I thought this was something special.”

But the more involved he became, the more he realised there was a lot more going on behind the burgers.

Opportunities to run bootcamps, attend Beach Hop and get amongst events like the Purple Carpet Awards showed Nathan another side of the brand.

“It made me realise we are more than just a ‘burger’ brand.”

Eventually, one possibility turned into an opportunity he could not pass up, and in 2021 Nathan became the franchisee of BurgerFuel Te Awamutu.

More than a job

Nathan says his relationship with BurgerFuel has now passed the point of being simply a place to work.

“It’s past that tipping point from being just a job to DNA.”

His focus now goes beyond his own four walls.

Whether it is sharing ideas and troubleshooting with other franchisees around New Zealand or constantly refining the Te Awamutu experience, the goal is always to make things a little better.

“How can I make this brand better for the nation?”

It is the same approach he brings to the store every day.

“Everything matters and it all counts. How can I make this place the best experience for both staff and customers?”

Fuelled by Te Awamutu

One of Nathan’s favourite parts of owning the store is the community around it.

“They are really a loyal and supportive bunch of people driven to help locals and businesses succeed. We have been well looked after here.”

BurgerFuel Te Awamutu works closely with local businesses, providing value-add vouchers for their customers and getting involved in promotional events around town.

The store also supports sports clubs, local gyms including BFT and the local cinema.

And every now and then, things get slightly louder.

Most recently, the store teamed up with Devilskin for an exclusive live performance for locals. Not exactly your average night at the burger joint.

Nathan’s Te Awamutu picks

When he is not at BurgerFuel, Nathan rates BFT, Volare and Bootleg Brewery among his favourite local spots.

“They’re nice places to visit with the family, plus the BFT crew are hugely supportive and always pushing you to do better.”

The store also sees plenty of people passing through Te Awamutu on their way to destinations like Waitomo and Hobbiton, alongside its strong local customer base.

The important stuff: burger orders

Nathan’s go-to order is a C N Cheese with avocado, although the Ring Burner with cheese has been getting plenty of attention lately.

He is also prepared to go into bat for one of the menu’s more divisive additions.

“Our blue cheese sauce gets a bad wrap, but it ain’t that bad!”

And if you are after a Nathan-approved BurgerFuel hack, grab a six-pack of Chicken Fenders with avocado and Chipotle Aioli on the side.

You’re welcome.

Thinking about becoming a franchisee?

Nathan’s advice is pretty simple: get amongst it.

“Jump in and immerse yourself in the brand, culture and its people, from the type of customers we attract to the staff who work with us.”

“If you are an outgoing individual, then this is for you.”

For Nathan, the motivation still comes from the same place every day: solving new challenges, setting his team up for success and finding ways to exceed customer expectations.

Never getting bored with the basics.

Because everything matters, and it all counts.