Smashburger, a fast-casual restaurant franchise known for its signature smashed burgers, announced the appointment of franchise and fast-casual industry veteran Mark Ramage as director of franchise development. Ramage joins the franchise sales team, under the direction of senior vice president of franchise sales Gregg Koffler, to support the brand as it grows nationally and abroad.

Ramage joins Smashburger following a leadership role at Rave Restaurant Group, where he was responsible for overseeing, leading and implementing the franchise development, strategy, systems sales and growth globally for Pie Five Pizza. Before his work with Rave Restaurant Group, Ramage held the role of franchise development manager at Red Mango, as well as franchise leadership roles at the Findley Group and the Ramage Group-Franchise Consulting.

“Mark has a proven track record of helping brands grow through franchise sales, which will be a tremendous asset during this important growth period in our company’s history,” says Koffler. “Further strengthening our already impressive franchise leadership team, his expertise in both the franchising and food and beverage industry will help continue our momentum as a leader in the fast casual category."

Ramage holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from University of Kentucky. Aside from being extremely successful in the areas of franchising and brand development, Ramage is also a highly decorated individual, having won the Top in Sales and Efficiency Award from 2006-2008, the Outstanding Development Award from 2009-2010, and the Rolling Forward Employee Award in 2013.

“Smashburger is in a tremendous position for growth. The flexible footprint, seasoned leadership team and state of the franchising industry were all extremely attractive to me as I made my decision to join the team,” adds Ramage. “I am looking forward to being an integral part of Gregg’s team as we take this brand to the next level.”