Guzman y Gomez struggling to break into US market despite offering bigger burritos

US sales aren't growing as fast as we'd like ... it takes time,' founder says, while analyst notes target market not exactly short of Mexican food options'

• Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates
• Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast

Mexican-themed chain Guzman y Gomez has reported bumper profits since it began trading on the Australian stock exchange but is struggling to expand in the US despite offering Americans bigger burritos.

The fast food chain has opened 16 new stores in Australia since July but a push to break into the competitive US market with four stores in Chicago has not fared as well. Guzman y Gomez reported on Friday that its US six-month sales had decreased by 12.7% to $4.9m.