Smashburger is opening dozens of new locations
A beloved fast-casual burger chain is betting on the old adage that bigger is better. That means bigger burgers, bigger buns, more bacon, and a bigger real estate footprint.
Going from 240 units to 260 units this year, with an additional 20 for 2023 and around 30 more in 2024 will not be easy given inflation and supply chain issues, but the chain seems to have figured out that Want what, and it’s more of everything.
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Smashburger, known for its Certified Angus Beef Burgers, which are literally smashed on the grill (supposedly this seals the juices and seals the flavor), began in Tampa, Fla., in late August and its Announced a deal to open 15 new stores nearby. TLC Gourmet Food International’s franchisee Jiandong “Peter” Xu. The restaurant operator currently has two Smashburger spots in Tampa and five in Philadelphia. Nation’s Restaurant News, He is also signed on to open three Smashburgers in Pennsylvania. QSR Magazine,
“This is an exciting concept that elevates fast-casual dining with the highest quality food in a fun, engaging environment,” Xu said in a statement. “I love being part of the Smashburger brand, and I can’t wait to start bringing it to the more Tampa area.”
Ever since Smashburger President Karl Bachman took the reins in 2019, Smashburger has evolved in every way possible. In addition to opening more locations and increasing the size of its burgers, Smashburger also moved to a regional hub-and-spoke approach, helping with supply chain and operations.
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The chain has also received a facelift – instead of the bright reds, browns and yellows of the past, the new Smashburger stores are now light and modern, with lower counters and open kitchens.
Like other fast-food restaurants, Smashburger is improving its mobile and drive-thru options, with the first digital drive-thru unit expected to open in Houston in late 2022. Within a year, the company expects to have four corporate and one franchised virtual drive-thru (only for mobile pickup), and possibly a few pedestrian pickup windows in urban areas.
In Denver, one can also see one of the Smashburgers, a full-service bar that serves cocktails like the Blackberry Smash, Smoke and Spice Margarita, and more.
