DENVER – Smashburger, a fast-growing "better burger" concept, announced new franchise deals to grow the company's East Coast presence, which will bring 20 new restaurants to key markets over the next seven years.
The first new franchise agreement with Robison Peck Group LLC, owned by Eric Robison and Charlie Peck, will bring 15 Smashburger restaurants to the Savanna and Atlanta, Georgia, areas over the next seven years. Robison and Peck own 50 Verizon stores in four states.
The second franchise agreement with PCM Food Services LLC, owned by Jerry Davis, will bring five restaurants to Broward County in Florida over the next four years. Davis owns and operates PeakCM LLC, a full service commercial construction management company specializing in the hospitality and entertainment industry. He also owns one Hampton Inn Franchise.
“These new partners bring extensive experience and a passion for delivering a great product and exemplary customer service,” said Michael Nolan, executive vice president & chief development officer of Smashburger. “We are excited to continue the rapid expansion of our business alongside franchisees who share our vision to restore the American burger to greatness.”
Additionally, Smashburger will continue its expansion on the East Coast in the Washington, D.C., metro area and is preparing to celebrate the brand's first franchised location in the D.C. metropolitan area later this month. This opening represents the first of a five-store development deal with franchisee Julian Goodman of Ashford Holdings East LLC, signed in May 2014. The first restaurant will open on April 20 in Rockville, Maryland. The menu includes the Capital Burger, a custom-designed regional burger topped with grilled onions, aged Swiss cheese, baby arugula, applewood-smoked bacon, tomatoes and mayo on a brioche bun. Like all of Smashburger's signature burgers, the Capital Burger is also available as a grilled or crispy chicken sandwich.
The Smashburger menu is centered on quality, fresh, smashed-to-order burgers that are seared in butter and seasoned on the griddle to lock-in natural juices. Smashburger features fresh/never-frozen 100% certified angus beef burgers, grilled or crispy chicken sandwiches and a black bean burger. Guests can create their own unique combinations by customizing the bun, sauces, toppings and cheese. Customers can choose from sides such as the signature Smashfries seasoned with rosemary, olive oil and garlic, haystack onions or fried pickles, as well as fresh salads, handspun shakes made with Haagen-Dazs ice cream and craft beer.
Smashburger has plans to open an additional 60 to 80 restaurants in 2016, including expansion across the globe and into new markets in the United States. The brand currently operates more than 360 restaurants across the United States, Kuwait, Canada, El Salvador, Panama, Costa Rica, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.