Smashburger to Add 63 Restaurants

Smashburger, the Denver-based “better burger” concept, has added five new franchise partners to its growing family of franchisees. The new agreements account for 63 new franchise units across the country, including four new markets.

“Consumers’ response to the Smashburger concept has driven our positive same store sales growth for the first quarter and has put us ahead of schedule with our franchise commitments,” says Dave Prokupek, chairman and ceo of Smashburger. “We are right on track with our openings, with 100 restaurants across 31 markets and we look forward to working with our new franchisees to introduce Smashburger in new markets across the country.”

The new partnerships include: 24 restaurants in Queens and Westchester County, N.Y. and Fairfield County, Conn.; 12 locations in Cincinnati; seven in Jacksonville, Fla.; 10 sites in New Orleans and Birmingham, Ala.; and 10 in Charlotte, N.C.

Smashburger plans to open 85 new restaurants in 2011, putting its year-end target at 175 units. The chain’s goal is to have 500 restaurants in the next few years, including international locations.