Smashburger today announced it has added three new partners to its growing family of better-burger franchisees. The combined commitment for 61 new restaurants brings Smashburger’s total active franchise pipeline to more than 350 units set to open over the next several years. As a part of the company’s ongoing commitment to expand operations across all fifty states and abroad, the agreements launch Smashburger into new markets in Florida including Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Ft. Myers, and Naples. In addition, Smashburger’s new partners will open units in upstate New York including Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse. The North Carolina market will also expand its reach across Wilmington, New Bern, and Jacksonville.
“We are pleased to expand our national footprint by partnering with three new seasoned franchise partners who will introduce Smashburger’s diverse menu and unique dining experience to consumers in new markets,” says Scott Crane, CEO of Smashburger. “Each of these markets present substantial growth opportunities for the brand as residents are looking for restaurants with quality ingredients at an affordable price.”
Each of Smashburger’s new franchise partners bring extensive restaurant operations and management experience to the table. Smashburger announces partnerships with the following franchisees to debut and expand upon the brand’s sizzling fast casual presence in the following markets:
Florida– Smashburger has partnered with Regrub LLC to expand the brand’s presence in the Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Ft Myers, and Naples areas with 34 new restaurants set to open over the next eight years. The new group has considerable restaurant management background and former experience as large multi-unit franchisees.
Buffalo/Rochester/Syracuse, New York– Smashburger has partnered with brothers Brad and Drew DeGrazia to open 23 Smashburger restaurants in upstate New York throughout Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse. Both Drew and Brad are top Moe’s Southwestern Grill franchisees with broad restaurant experience.
North Carolina– Smashburger has partnered with husband and wife team Paul and Kathleen Thaller to debut Smashburger in the Wilmington, New Bern, and Jacksonville areas with four new restaurant locations slated to open in the upcoming years. Paul and Kathy were past McDonalds franchisees.
Smashburger remains on track to grow its unit count by approximately 30 percent in 2015 and plans to open 70-80 restaurants in 2015, putting its year-end target at more than 350 units. The company is also actively seeking experienced franchise partners to develop and grow the brand domestically and internationally.
