Smashburger, the rapidly expanding better burger restaurant, celebrated the grand opening of its first Latin American restaurant location in Costa Rica on Saturday, December 1. This restaurant, located at Centro Comercial Lincoln Plaza, Moravia, San Jose, is the first of 18 franchise locations planned for the area by franchise partner Richard Eisenberg of QSR International. Eisenberg will also soon open locations in Central America, South America and the Caribbean.
The popular better-burger chain, recently named by Forbes Magazine as “America’s Most Promising Company”, is fast becoming an international favorite as well. The opening of Smashburger’s first Costa Rica restaurant marks the third international market for the brand outside the United States. It currently operates locations in Kuwait and Canada, and plans to open its next international locations in Saudi Arabia in early 2013.
“Our expansion into Latin America is an important milestone for Smashburger,” said David Prokupek, Chairman and CEO of Smashburger. “We’ve built a brand that has a strong, passionate following well-beyond the borders of the United States. Costa Rica is certain to be a great market for us.”
Smashburger, a brand that has built its reputation on fresh, made-to-order, 100 percent Certified Angus Beef that is “smashed” and seared to lock in the juices of the burger, offers a regional recipe in every market. In Costa Rica, the local burger is topped with chorizo, grilled Turrialba cheese, refried black beans, fried potato sticks, and Lizano cilantro mayo on a classic egg bun. Cost Rican customers may also enjoy Smashburger’s Pejibaye Frites, a side of flash-fried and seasoned peach palm fruit with cilantro mayo, or Portabello mushroom fries.
Franchise owner Richard Eisenberg commented: “We are delighted and privileged to have opened our first Smashburger location in Costa Rica. It’s a restaurant that truly sets a new standard in the way people enjoy burgers.”
