Smashburger signed a 30-unit deal with BIGG Capital Holdings LLC, a business development group based out of Dallas and led by National Football League player Leonard Davis.

“Burger lovers across Texas have fallen in love with Smashburger’s delicious burgers; now Dallas burger fanatics will have a chance to as well,” says Smashburger founder Tom Ryan. “We look forward to becoming Dallas’ favorite burger place for every occasion.”

BIGG Capital Holdings marks Davis’s entry into the restaurant franchise business in the Dallas area. The BIGG Capital Holdings team identified Smashburger as an up-and-coming brand that would have longevity after Davis’ NFL career was over. Tye Williams of Consumer Capital Partners (CCP), the private equity firm helping to fund Smashburger, is acting as the managing member in the BIGG Capital Holdings LLC Smashburger development process in Dallas.

“I’ve had great success in the NFL and my career with the Cowboys continues to drive me,” Davis says. “But I wanted a business opportunity that made sense with my life after football. Smashburger has all the right things in place to be a huge success in Dallas and nationwide. They have a great management team and a compelling concept, and the burgers are hands down the best I’ve had.”

BIGG Capital Holdings has agreed to open and operate the 30-unit deal under a unique franchise plan conceived by Smashburger.

“The agreement with Mr. Davis is significant because it marks the first time that a franchisee will own a group of stores, but contract the day-to-day operations and management to the Smashburger corporate team,” says Dave Prokupek, Smashburger chairman and CCP managing partner and chief investment officer. “This unique relationship allows Mr. Davis and other high-visibility athletes or entertainers the opportunity to participate in the booming ‘better burger’ business while allowing a proven, world class corporate team to lead the operation of their restaurants.”