Domino's plans to deliver new pizza outlets

Domino's Pizza plans to increase its 58 franchises to 85 in the next two years despite increased expansion by its upmarket rival Hell Pizza.

Hell now has the backing of Burger King's local owner, and publicly listed Restaurant Brands is facing falling sales for Pizza Hut.

But Domino's Pizza Australia and New Zealand chief executive Don Meij said the New Zealand fast-food market was still under-served.

He said sales results for the 57 New Zealand Domino's outlets were nearly double forecasts and the company was pushing ahead with new franchises for Auckland and North Island provincial centres.

The new owners at Hell, Tasman Pacific Foods, have said they are planning a rapid roll out and synergies with the Burger King operation.

Domino's floated in Australia 18 months ago and Meij said the first full-year results to July 2 had seen strong growth in New Zealand after Domino's bought the Pizza Haven chain.

He said that apart from pizza, the New Zealand fast-food market lacked choice and there was room for second and third players in areas such as chicken.

He said Domino's was looking at adding new items to its menu but not at acquiring new fast-food operations.