Burger King signals commitment to Christchurch

20 July, 2011

Burger King signals commitment to Christchurch with opening of
flagship restaurant in Addington

• BK Christchurch staff numbers now 15% higher than pre-quake levels, no redundancies
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• First new building to be started and completed since February 22nd earthquake
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• BK support of local Christchurch suppliers ‘significant’ says manufacturer
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• Moorhouse Ave to re-open in August
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The June 13 earthquakes had Christchurch benchtop manufacturer, Andrew Bruce watching helplessly as part of the 80 metre roof of his Bromley warehouse collapsed for the second time this year, destroying 90% of his stock made for one of his biggest clients, Burger King NZ.

Mr Bruce said it was a hard call to make to his client; “Burger King is part way through a national restaurant upgrade and expansion programme, and my business has been the key supplier for their counters and table tops for the past four years. They’re one of our biggest clients, so to lose their support would have been the last straw.”

But Burger King stuck by Andrew’s company, Marbello, and was rewarded this week by opening the doors to its flagship restaurant in Addington, Christchurch.

“Marbello’s tenacity meant we are only a few weeks behind schedule,” said Rachael Allison, General Manager Marketing, Burger King. “In the context of all the challenges involved with rebuilding Christchurch, that’s incredibly efficient. Andrew’s team delivered, with 40% of their machinery damaged, initial loss of power and water, as well as communication limitations.”

As a result of all of its determined Christchurch suppliers, staff and managers, Burger King has been able to open what it understands to be the first building in Christchurch to be started, and completed since February 22nd. “We were due to turn the first sod on this site in February, so we’re wrapt to be opening the doors to our premiere South Island restaurant, despite the many challenges that have arisen,” Ms Allison says.

Andrew Bruce described Burger King’s loyalty as “significant”. “Burger King has effectively given my 15 staff job security for the next 12 months at least as they continue their national expansion. When the roof’s falling in and your staff’s confidence is rattled, it means a lot to us to have the work there to focus on, into the future. “

Rachael Allison says the Addington Burger King is a symbol of the company’s commitment to Christchurch. “Prior to September last year we had six restaurants in Christchurch and 212 staff. Once our Moorhouse Avenue restaurant re-opens next month, we will be back up to five restaurants. Customer demand is stronger than ever which means we now have 15% more staff on board than in September last year. Throughout it all we’ve had not made anyone redundant, choosing instead to continue to support our staff while awaiting the re-opening of Moorhouse and the completion of Addington. All our people have been incredibly supportive nationally and locally of our efforts in Christchurch.

“They’ve raised thousands of dollars across our restaurants, been out in the community to lend a hand, and we’ve had great support from BK fans like the Breakers who’ve been down to run basketball workshops to help boost the spirits of the local schools.

Ms Allison says that plans to rebuild the Carlton Mill site are in development and Burger King will again be an anchor tenant in a location its customers have loved for 12 years.

“Since our ownership changed 22 months ago, we’ve invested a huge amount of energy and planning to improve every aspect of the business. From healthier innovations across our menu, to staff training, technology and international design with a kiwi flavour, we are defining the future flavour of our business.

“Local designers and manufacturers like Marbello have helped shape the contemporary retro design that is being rolled out across all restaurants. Customers to Addington and other new or upgraded restaurants will still feel like they’ve come home to the place where burgers originated in 1950s USA, but the hot red booths, music streaming via TVs, edgy ‘grill’ designs and high voltage flame imagery will leave them in no doubt that this is the future flavour of BK New Zealand.”

This expansion plans mean Burger King will open 13 new restaurants in three years, alongside plans to upgrade the balance of the chain.

Ms Allison says Christchurch is a firm part of the company’s plan for the future, and today’s opening of Addington, and re-opening Moorhouse next month is evidence of that.

Ends.

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