Smashburger, the expanding better burger restaurant, today celebrates its fifth anniversary since first introducing its smashed fresh, served delicious burgers to consumers in the United States. Following the grand opening of its first restaurant location in Denver in 2007, the company has quickly captured the passion of burger lovers nationwide, with 160 successful restaurant openings to date.
“Today’s five year anniversary marks a significant milestone and accomplishment for Smashburger, demonstrating the consumer demand for our brand,” commented Dave Prokupek, chairman and CEO of Smashburger. “This is a humbling and proud day here at Smashburger and I’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our SmashFans who continue to support the brand, and to our team members, franchisees and partners who work hard every day to ensure that we live up to our customers’ expectations for a better burger, innovative sides and menu variety.“
The company also announced the addition of six new franchise partners, totaling a combined commitment for 44 new franchise units across the country. These most recent franchise agreements bring Smashburger’s total franchise pipeline to 507 locations, which are expected to open over the course of the next several years. These new commitments will also allow Smashburger to make its debut in five new markets, further expanding its growing national footprint.
“We still have plenty of room to grow in the U.S. and have just started capitalizing on the opportunity to expand internationally,” added Prokupek. “We are very pleased to welcome a new group of experienced franchisees to the Smashburger family and are excited to partner with these passionate restaurant operators to introduce, develop and grow our brand in new markets across the United States.”
Each of Smashburger’s six new franchise partners possesses deep restaurant operations and management experience. Smashburger is pleased to announce its partnership with the following franchisees to introduce the brand’s smashed burgers and sizzling menu offering in the following markets:
- Salt Lake City Airport – Smashburger has partnered with HMSHost, the world’s largest provider of food, beverage and retail services for travelers, to open a new restaurant at Salt Lake City Airport in July 2012.
- Wilmington, DE – Smashburger has partnered with John Laursen of Sizzle DE, LLC to open four new restaurants over the next several years.
- Columbia, SC – Smashburger has partnered with Steven Taylor of CSC Seven to open three new restaurants over the next several years. Taylor is also a franchisee of Moe’s Southwest Grill.
- Staten Island, NY and Southern New Jersey – Smashburger has partnered with Anthony Pellizzi of MultiBrands SB Inc. to open eight new restaurants. Pellizzi is also a franchise owner of Dunkin Donuts, Baskin Robbins and Pollo Campero.
- Boston, MA –Smashburger has partnered with Robert Savin of Savin Burgers to open 12 new restaurants over the next several years.
- Philadelphia, PA – Smashburger has partnered with a group lead by Dan O’Shaughnessy of SB Philly LLC to open 17 new restaurants over the next several years.
Smashburger is on track to open 60 new restaurants in 2012, putting its year-end target at more than 200 units. Its restaurants are currently half company-owned and half franchised. . International expansion will also continue to be an important part of Smashburger’s strategy for continued growth as the restaurant operator aims to become the number one global “better burger” brand. The company is also actively seeking franchise partners to develop and grow the brand in Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Orlando, Portland, Seattle and throughout Canada.
Smashburger’s menu features a variety of customized recipes featuring nationwide favorites as well as regionally inspired menu items that Smashburger creates to fit the taste preferences of the local market. The menu also allows guests to build their own recipe, thanks to its ‘Create Your Own” offering that makes for a truly customized experience. Each Smashburger starts with fresh, never frozen 100 percent Certified Angus Beef that is smashed on a 400-degree flat grill to sear in the juicy flavor, and is then served on a toasted artisan bun and topped with a selection of the freshest produce, real cheeses, and highest-quality condiments. But Smashburger is more than just burgers. Customers can also enjoy a selection of tender, marinated grilled or crispy chicken sandwiches, grilled and split hot dogs, and fresh tossed signature salads, along with a variety of irresistible sides including rosemary and garlic–seasoned Smashfries, fried pickles, haystack onions, and veggie frites (flash-fried and seasoned carrot sticks and green beans). The restaurant also serves a selection of beverages and hand-spun Häagen-Dazs® shakes.
Smashburger is America’s fastest growing, fast casual “better burger” restaurant. Its hand-crafted burgers are made with fresh, never frozen, 100 per cent Certified Angus Beef, that are “smashed”, seared and seasoned on the grill to juicy perfection for every individual order. Developed and owned by private equity firm Consumer Capital Partners (CCP), Smashburger operates and develops both corporate and multi-unit franchise territories across the globe with 160 restaurants in the United States, one location in Calgary and one in Kuwait. Smashburger recently topped Fast Casual’s 2012 Top Mover & Shakers list, and was named America’s Most Promising Company by Forbes magazine last year. It is the recipient of the International Council of Shopping Centers 2011 Hot Retailer Award and was also named to the 2011 Inc 500 list. To learn more, visit www.smashburger.com.
