Burger chain BurgerFuel said there will be delays to their proposed entry in the United States and stated it is uncertain of its support from Franchise Brands, the fastfood chain franchisor’s backer.

Peter Brook, company chair, and Josef Roberts, CEO, said that although it is possible for BurgerFuel to enter the US independently of Franchise Brands, they feel the potential support available from a large US-based organisation is essential to their success in the market. He also said they are not prepared to move forward without that support.

Brook and Roberts said ‘they are aware shareholders will be disappointed’ by the stall of activity in entering the US, but said the company has made good progress in other areas.

“In NZ in particular, we hold a very strong growth position and see great opportunity for continued expansion,” they said. “The board will be considering all options for the expansion of the company both in New Zealand and internationally and in this regard, will keep the market informed of progress in due course.”

BurgerFuel posted a net loss of $1.14 million in the year ended March 31, which, Brook and Roberts stated, was in line with diectors’ expectations and was largely due to expenditure relating to their planned entry into the US.

The company reported a group operating revenue increase of nine per cent to $20.3 million and total system sales increase of 16.6 per cent to $96.5 million for the 12 month period.

BurgerFuel added 12 new restaurants in the year but closed four in the Middle East and two in Australia. It now has 78 restaurants, 47 of which are in New Zealand.