Starbucks closing stores as Restaurant Brands focuses on burgers

"Whilst there has been some improvement, trading conditions remain challenging and the [quick-service restaurant] market continues to see heavy price discounting," the company said.

Full-year profit for the group, excluding non-trading items, was expected to be $18m to $19m, the company said, similar to last year's $18.4m.

But Leadbetter said the tough competition, including heavy discounting by competitors Burger King and McDonald's, was unlikely to subside.

Much of the revenue gain in the first six months of the year came from the group's new Carl's Jr burger outlets after a further three were opened in the period, bringing the total to five.