Hataitai, Meet Alvin and Jess.

Tell us your story, what’s your background?

Alvin: After leaving uni, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do, and so I joined BurgerFuel Henderson in 2021. Little did I know that would be the best decision of my life. I worked my way up from store staff to 2IC and then became the Store Manager in 2023. I have always wanted to be a business owner, and so in 2024, when the opportunity came up, I took it.

Jess: I started at Burgerfuel Henderson as a staff member in February 2022 when I was 16. I quickly became a Shift Manager, and as I finished up with school, I moved to full-time hours to help Alvin out with all of our training and customer service goals. At 19 I moved down to Wellington and a few days after my 3 years at BurgerFuel I officially became a franchisee.

What do you love about the Brand?

Alvin: I really aligned with the brand pillars that make up BurgerFuel. I love all things cars, sports, music and food.

Jess: I grew up around BurgerFuel as my Mum has worked for HQ for a while now. I always loved the vibes and the culture, and as a kid I loved the idea of working for a company that felt the way BurgerFuel did.

What do you love about BurgerFuel?
We both love the fun, fast and loud vibe that BurgerFuel is all about, nothing beats a busy Friday night when the service is flowing, music is pumping and the customers are happy!

What do you enjoy the most about being part of your local community?

Even though we have only just moved to Wellington we have already felt how close and welcoming the Hataitai community is. We are so excited to get to know everyone here and get involved in everything we can!

Other than your store, what’s your favourite place to go in your community? 
When we’re not in the kitchen, we love going out for drives around Wellington and looking at all the beautiful scenery. We also love going to the gym or the football pitch and getting a good workout in!

What’s your favourite BurgerFuel burger?
Alvin: Bacon BBQ Roadster (no customisation because it is a work of art on its own)
Jess: Smack & Cheese was my favourite, but on a day to day I love a Modifried Thunderbird with cheese!

What is your best BurgerFuel hack?
You can swap your proteins or cheeses on any burger because who doesn’t love a Bacon Backfire with cheddar.

Do you own a machine? If so, what is it?
Not yet but hopefully one day!

Random fact about yourself?
Alvin: I used to play the piano for 13 years.
Jess: Before BurgerFuel I wanted to be an astrobiologist and I love things space and science (minus the physics).