A $300 BBQ from Bunnings and the Birth of Auckland’s Smash Burger Icon
What started as a casual UFC watch party in a Sydney backyard has transformed into one of Auckland’s hottest burger joints. All sparked by a $300 barbecue and a dream born over a birthday dinner. This is the story of Fat Puku’s, a brand that turned smashed patties into a thriving burger spot, even in the face of a global pandemic.
Humble Beginnings: A BBQ, UFC Nights, and a Dream
It all began in Sydney, where Vetearii (V) hosted his mates for UFC fight nights. The tradition? Firing up the barbecue and smashing out juicy burgers while the pay-per-view played on. Those burgers were a hit, but the idea of turning them into a business didn’t click until 2019. After moving back to Auckland, New Zealand, to start a family, V pitched the idea to his friend Gary over his wife’s birthday dinner.
“I said, ‘Hey man, I’m keen to start a burger truck. You in?’” V recalls. Gary was all in, and the two spent the evening dreaming up what would become Fat Puku’s Smash Burgers.
Most ideas born over a few drinks stay just that, ideas. But the next day, V texted Gary: “You still keen?” With Gary’s quick “Yep,” the wheels were set in motion. They initially hunted for a food truck with a budget of $10,000, driving up and down the country only to realise that food trucks were expensive and risky. “If the truck breaks down, you’re stuffed,” V explains.
Pivoting to a Brick-and-Mortar Smash Burger Joint in Auckland
The duo decided to go brick-and-mortar, eyeing a takeaway spot in Mount Eden, Auckland. But just as they were about to seal the deal, COVID-19 hit. New Zealand went into lockdown, and the lease fell through, a blessing in disguise. “We’d have been stuck paying rent for three months with no income,” V admits.
Instead, lockdown became a time for perfecting their craft. “We experimented with recipes, even tried making our own buns. Everyone was a baker during the pandemic, right?”
Pop-Ups, Community Support, and a $300 Jumbuck Grill
Drawing on his travel industry background, V sought advice from friends who predicted two years until normalcy.
Knowing that a lease was too risky, they opted for pop-ups. Gary’s connection to Tyrone, owner of Pioneer Pies in Albany, was pivotal. “Tyrone was known for helping startups. We fed him a burger, and he said, ‘You’ve got something here.’” In October 2020, armed with a $300 Jumbuck flat grill from Bunnings, they launched Fat Puku’s out of Tyrone’s Pie Shop kitchen after hours.
The original menu was simple: two burgers, the Fat Puku and the double-patty Puku Buster, plus soft drinks (no fries). Posters went up, and they secured an Instagram handle (@fatpukus). The first night saw friends, family, and a few random walk-ins, but word quickly spread. Within weeks, they were selling out.
Community support was massive, but by Christmas, it was clear they needed a better plan. Gary was juggling a full-time job, I was freelancing, and the current operation couldn’t handle the growing demand. They paused, regrouped, and planned for 2021.
Going Viral and Finding a Permanent Home on Queen Street
The new year brought new challenges and new opportunities. TikTok influencers discovered Fat Puku’s, sending us viral and attracting burger lovers from all over Auckland. But the small pie shop couldn’t cope with the crowds.
They started hunting for a permanent home, eventually landing at 1/492 Queen Street in Auckland’s CBD in June 2021. “Landlords were hurting post-COVID, so we got a 150-square-meter spot with tall ceilings, big windows, and an existing kitchen for a steal,” V says. By August, Fat Puku’s had officially found its home.
Smashing Expectations: Not Just a Burger Joint
Today, Fat Puku’s is more than just a place to grab a burger. It’s a community hub built on nostalgia, good vibes, and a commitment to Auckland’s best smash burgers. “We wanted to bring people together, not just sling burgers out of a hole in the wall,” V explains.
Starting with a $300 barbecue from Bunnings to a bustling Queen Street hotspot and now a second location in Wynyard Quarter, the story of Fat Puku’s is one of grit, adaptability, and a damn good smash burger.
Ready to Smash? Visit Fat Puku’s Today!
Whether you’re a local or just passing through Auckland, don’t miss out on the best smash burgers in town. Pull up to your nearest location, grab a bite, and become part of the Fat Puku’s story.
Stay rad, Auckland!
