Making the most of the "better burger" trend that has gripped the fast-casual industry, franchise business Smashburger recently announced the addition of three new franchisees. The total commitment from all three new owners is 15 locations, putting the rapidly growing brand’s expansion plan at more than 350 new locations set to open over the upcoming years. Smashburger is planning to grow across the entire country and internationally, and the recent agreements mark the entry of the brand into new markets across California, Alaska, and Colin County, Texas.
According to Smashburger Franchising LLC’s CEO, Scott Crane, the expansion into three new markets is a substantial growth opportunity for the brand. Crane spoke of consumers continuing to look for eateries with affordable, high-quality menu items, and he stated that the franchise business is looking forward to bringing the brand’s unique dining experience and diverse menu together with veteran owners whom Smashburger is confident will be successful.
All three of the new franchisees have management and restaurant experience. Alaska SB LLC, consisting of Mark Larson, Sandi Larson and Gretchen Kenny, has agreed to open Smashburger locations in The Valley and Anchorage, Alaska. The group has experience operating and owning businesses in the local community and will open three locations over the next three years.
TK Loesch, owner of other eateries in and around Monterey Bay, will be opening seven locations in the Monterey Bay/San Jose, California area. Finally, Big D Dining, LLC, consisting of Terry, Morgan, Chad and Nancy Gassaway with Michael Odell, are slated to open five new Smashburgers in Colin County, Texas, over the next five years.
The Smashburger Story:
Smashburger was founded in 2007 under the vision of Rick Schaden. The franchise opportunity is a leader in the fast-casual "better burger" market segment, with more than 340 locations in the US and abroad.
The brand is known for its 100 percent Certified Angus beef patties that are cooked fresh and smashed on the grill to lock in juices and flavors. Smashburger also has chicken sandwiches, salads, and signature sides, including hand-spun Haagen-Dazs milkshakes and Veggie Frites. Regional burgers that incorporate local flavors are available on every market menu, along with local craft beers and regional sides.
In 2015, Smashburger Franchising LLC sold 187 franchise units, marking the biggest year in franchise sales for the company. The franchise opportunity’s strategic growth plan also allowed it to attract experienced franchise groups to increase the brand’s footprint in both existing and new markets.
Currently, Smashburger is looking for experienced franchisees to take part in its domestic and international growth plan. Franchises are available in many major markets, including Orange County, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington, Michigan, Indiana, Chicago, Nashville, Miami, Washington, D.C., Cleveland, Baltimore and Boston.
For more information on the Smashburger opportunity, be sure to visit FranchiseExpo.com today.
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