Franchisee Ramesh Atluri, said since news of the company’s collapsed pizza chain was made public on July 14, sales at the Bathurst store have surged.

Mr Atluri said news the company had been in dire financial straits since 2012 was a shock to him.

“Not knowing which way the brand is heading is very worrying, but since the news was announced, for us it has turned into something very positive.

“Stores across the network enjoyed record sales in deliveries and pick up orders last week, which shows us people still love the home-grown brand’s pizza.”

Mr Atluri said he had spoken to all his staff about the situation.

“I’ve briefed them all and stressed we are business as usual.”

“Bathurst is one of the top stores in the network.”

He said he put this down to a focus on product quality, customer service and competitive pricing.

“We are continuing to trade as normal and would like the community to know we are still going strong.

“We are grateful for the community getting behind us and we will charge on, continuing to provide high quality pizza at great prices.”

Eagle Boys is not alone in experiencing financial difficulty, in recent years a group of Australian Pizza Hut franchisees launched (and lost) a class action against the parent company after claiming they were forced to sell pizzas below cost, which they said pushed many out of business.

Mr Atluri said it was a cut throat industry, where businesses were constantly juggling operational costs.

He said Bathurst Eagle Boys was fortunate to have the drive thru, which sets the business apart from its competitors.

“It’s a very unique positive for us,”he said.

While the future of the national franchisee is at this stage unknown, Mr Atluri said he wanted to hank everyone for their support.

“I’d really like to say thanks for getting behind us,”he said.

“It means a lot.”