More than 35 Smashburger Restaurants Planned Over Next Several Years
Smashburger is smashing its way across the pond. The critically acclaimed better burger restaurant with fresh, smashed to order burgers, is excited to announce that it has added the MSG Group as a new franchise partner in the United Kingdom. This is Smashburger’s initial entry into the United Kingdom, with 35 restaurants expected to open. The launch of Smashburger in the United Kingdom will expand the brand footprint to eight countries.
Smashburger offers a diverse menu featuring quality, fresh, smashed-to-order burgers that are seared and seasoned on the grill to lock-in natural juices. The menu features innovative burger combinations, or guests can create their own burger or chicken sandwich, customizing the bun, sauces, toppings and cheese. Customers can pair burgers with irresistible sides, like seasoned fries with rosemary, olive oil and garlic, haystack onions or fried pickles, or indulge in a wide variety of additional menu items, like fresh salads, premium handspun Häagen-Dazs shakes and craft beer, all at a great value.
“The United Kingdom is hungry for better burgers and presents a significant opportunity for us to meet the global demand in the category,” said Scott Crane, CEO of Smashburger. “We are excited to grow our international presence in the United Kingdom with such a seasoned franchise partner who will help us bring Smashburger to a rapidly growing fast casual market.”
Currently owning more than 120 Domino’s pizza chain-restaurants in the United Kingdom, MSG Group, brings extensive restaurant management and operations experience to the table and will be funding the growth of the Smashburger operation in the United Kingdom. Smashburger in the United Kingdom will be led by Tim Lowther, MSG Group Managing Director, who has 30 years experience in the burger and fast casual industry and most recently introduced Shake Shack and Five Guys in the United Kingdom. Smashburger will be MSG Group’s latest addition to the better burger scene in the United Kingdom.
“The fast casual dining market has yet to reach its potential in the United Kingdom and there is a huge opportunity for brands such as Smashburger,” says Lowther. “Due to its focus on quality and taste, we are certain Smashburger will be a success and more importantly satisfy the burger appetite for the next 30 years and beyond.”
In 2014, Smashburger family added 65 new restaurants and saw 22% new unit growth. Across the United States, Kuwait, Canada, El Salvador, Panama, Costa Rica and Saudi Arabia, there are currently 315 total units. Smashburger is actively seeking partners to spread the global appetite for America’s favorite food internationally in Europe, Asia, South America and beyond.
For more information on becoming a Smashburger franchisee or to locate a restaurant near you, please visit Smashburger.com. Follow Smashburger on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Smashburger is a leading fast casual “better burger” restaurant known for its fresh never frozen, 100% Certified Angus Beef burgers that are smashed on the grill to sear in the juices, creating an upscale quality burger packed with flavor and served at a great value. In addition to burgers, Smashburger offers grilled or crispy chicken sandwiches, fresh salads, signature side items such as Haystack onions and Veggie Frites, and hand-spun Haagen-Dazs shakes. On each market menu, Smashburger offers locally inspired items like the regional burger, as well as regional sides & local craft beer. The company began in 2007 with the vision of Rick Schaden and funding by Consumer Capital Partners—the private equity firm that Rick and his father Richard own. Smashburger now operates more than 315 corporate and franchise restaurants in 34 states and seven international countries. To learn more, visit www.smashburger.com
