Better Burger Concept Continues Rapid Growth with Three New Franchise Partners
Smashburger, the rapidly expanding better burger restaurant concept, has added three new partners to its growing family of better burger franchisees. The combined commitment for 61 new restaurants brings Smashburger’s total active franchise pipeline to over 350 units set to open over the next several years. As a part of the company’s ongoing commitment to expand operations across all fifty states and abroad, the agreements launch Smashburger into new markets in Florida including Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Ft. Myers and Naples. In addition, Smashburger’s new partners will open units in upstate New York including Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse. The North Carolina market will also expand its reach across Wilmington, New Bern and Jacksonville.
“We are pleased to expand our national footprint by partnering with three new seasoned franchise partners who will introduce Smashburger’s diverse menu and unique dining experience to consumers in new markets,” commented Scott Crane, Chief Executive Officer of Smashburger. “Each of these markets present substantial growth opportunities for the brand as residents are looking for restaurants with quality ingredients at an affordable price.”
Each of Smashburger’s new franchise partners bring extensive restaurant operations and management experience to the table. Smashburger is pleased to announce partnerships with the following franchisees to debut and expand upon the brand’s sizzling fast casual presence in the following markets:
- Florida – Smashburger has partnered with Regrub LLC to expand the brand’s presence in the Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Ft Myers and Naples areas with 34 new restaurants set to open over the next eight years. The new group has considerable restaurant management background and former experience as large multi-unit franchisees.
- Buffalo/Rochester/Syracuse, NY – Smashburger has partnered with brothers Brad and Drew DeGrazia to open 23 Smashburger restaurants in upstate New York throughout Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse. Both Drew and Brad are top Moe’s Southwestern Grill franchisees with broad restaurant experience.
- North Carolina – Smashburger has partnered with husband and wife team Paul and Kathleen Thaller to debut Smashburger in the Wilmington, New Bern, and Jacksonville, N.C. areas with four new restaurant locations slated to open in the upcoming years. Paul and Kathy were past McDonalds franchisees.
Smashburger remains on track to grow its unit count by approximately 30 percent in 2015 and plans to open 70-80 restaurants in 2015, putting its year-end target at more than 350 units. The company is also actively seeking experienced franchise partners to develop and grow the brand domestically and internationally. Franchise availability exists in several east coast markets including: North Virginia, Washington D.C., Baltimore, Boston, New Hampshire, Maine, Orange County NY, Pittsburg, Richmond, Virginia Beach, Fayetteville NC, Winston-Salem, Greensborough, Myrtle Beach, Savannah, Palm Beach, Ft. Lauderdale and Miami. For more information about Smashburger franchise opportunities, please visit www.smashburger.com/franchising.
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.
