Smashburger, the expanding better-burger restaurant, announced it is ranked No. 405 on the 31st annual Inc. 500, thanks to its three-year sales growth of 928 percent.
The Inc. 500 is an exclusive ranking of the nation's fastest-growing private companies. The list represents the most comprehensive look at the most important segment of the economy—America’s independent entrepreneurs.
Smashburger is the country’s fastest-growing fast-casual restaurant concept, known for its smashed fresh, served delicious 100 percent Certified Angus Beef burgers and broad menu that includes a selection of tender grilled and crispy chicken sandwiches, grilled and split hot dogs, fresh tossed entrée salads, and an array of irresistible sides, beverages, and hand-spun Häagen-Dazs shakes.
Smashburger operates and develops both corporate and multiunit franchise territories across the globe with 167 restaurants in 27 markets in the United States, Calgary, Canada, and Kuwait.
The company plans to open up to 60 new restaurants in 2012 and remains focused on strategic development in key domestic and international markets including Chicago; Washington, D.C.; Miami; Boston; and Canada. .
“2011 was a significant year of expansion for Smashburger and we are honored to be recognized a second year in a row for our brand’s rapid growth and innovative concept, particularly as one of the top restaurant concepts on the list,” says Dave Prokupek, chairman and CEO of Smashburger.
“2012 has brought some important milestones as we’ve celebrated our five-year anniversary and expanded outside the U.S., with our first international restaurants opening in Kuwait and Calgary, and Costa Rica and Saudi Arabia expected to open later this year,” he says. “We look forward to the next chapter of Smashburger’s growth as we continue expanding to new markets and introducing our premium menu offerings around the globe.”
The 2012 Inc. 500, unveiled in the September issue of Inc. (available on newsstands August 21–November 15), is the most competitive crop in the list’s history.
To make the cut, companies had to have achieved a staggering minimum of 770 percent in sales growth.
The Inc. 500’ s aggregate revenue is $15.7 billion, with a median three-year growth of 1,431 percent. T
he companies on this year's Inc. 500 employ more than 48,000 people and generated more than 40,000 jobs in the past three years.
Complete results of the Inc. 500|5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found at www.inc.com/500.
"Now, more than ever, we depend on Inc. 500/5000 companies to spur innovation, provide jobs, and drive the economy forward. Growth companies, not large corporations, are where the action is,” says Inc. magazine Editor Eric Schurenberg.
