Smashburger has become a standout name in the fast-casual dining scene, known for transforming the burger experience. Launched in Denver in June 2007, this brand quickly made a mark by delivering top-tier, made-to-order burgers that appeal to burger enthusiasts.
Their distinctive method, using certified Angus beef and a unique smashing technique, guarantees that every burger is bursting with flavor and juiciness, distinguishing Smashburger from typical fast-food options.
Based in Denver, Colorado, Smashburger began franchising in 2008, just a year after it was founded. This strategic initiative aimed to broaden its reach, allowing more people to enjoy its exceptional burger experience.
Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
The franchisor offers an extensive training program for franchisees, encompassing various critical aspects of business operations. The training includes:
Orientation/Training Overview
This initial session consists of 5 hours of classroom instruction, providing a comprehensive introduction to the franchise system and outlining key expectations.
Back of House Functional Training
Concentrating on kitchen operations, this segment involves 42 hours of hands-on training. Franchisees will gain the necessary skills to efficiently manage back-of-house activities.
Front of House Functional Training
Similar to the Back of House training, this segment also includes 42 hours of practical training, focusing on customer service and front-end operations.
The training is held either at a designated facility by the franchisor or virtually, based on the circumstances. This program is designed to thoroughly prepare franchisees for running their Smashburger restaurant, covering both managerial and operational aspects of the business.
Smashburger franchisees do not receive exclusive territory protection under the standard single-unit Franchise Agreement. While a franchisee secures the right to open at an approved location, the franchisor retains the ability to place additional Smashburger units—or even company-owned stores—nearby. This means franchisees may face competition from other Smashburger outlets within close proximity.
However, franchisees who sign a Multi-Unit Development Agreement are granted rights to open multiple restaurants within a defined geographical development area and timeline.
Even so, this arrangement does not guarantee exclusivity, meaning that competition from nearby Smashburger units or alternative distribution channels may still arise. Franchisees should carefully review the Franchise Disclosure Document and agreements, and consider seeking legal advice if they wish to negotiate protective clauses or understand potential encroachment risks.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
All you need to know about this franchise
?
?
?
?
?
?
Below are some of
Smashburger
key competitors in the
Burger
sector.
65
$40,000
$1,240,000
$2,256,000
n.a.
$0
$xxx,xxx
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
Five Guys
$200K - $500K
899
$25,000
$256,000
$591,000
n.a.
$0
$xxx,xxx
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
Wahlburgers
Over $500K
106
$40,000
$1,140,000
$2,755,000
n.a.
$0
$xxx,xxx
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
.png)
JL Beers
Over $500K
3
$50,000
$1,223,000
$3,308,000
n.a.
$1,440,000
$xxx,xxx
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
BURGERFI
Over $500K
93
$45,000
$610,000
$1,043,000
n.a.
$1,319,000
$xxx,xxx
67.9%
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
Home Frite is a fast-casual franchise offering gourmet fries, burgers, chicken sandwiches and milkshakes, serving urban diners and comfort-food lovers, and known for hand-cut potatoes, signature sauces, and scalable franchise model.
?
?
iniBurger is a burger-restaurant franchise offering gourmet burgers, shakes, and innovative sides, serving millennials and casual diners, and known for bold menu items, modern branding and strong franchisee support.
?
?
Harlem Shake is a burger-and-shake chain franchise offering premium burgers, fries, shakes and craft menu items, serving families and casual diners, and known for nostalgic branding, community vibe, and scalable restaurant prototype.
?
?
Good Stuff Eatery is a fast-casual burger franchise offering handcrafted burgers, crispy fries and shakes, serving casual diners and burger-lovers, and known for chef-driven quality, fun branding and a mission to bring “goodness everywhere”.
?
?
.png)
Built Custom Burgers provides fast-casual, build-your-own burger meals featuring premium ingredients and a streamlined assembly-line format, allowing customers to customize burgers, fries, and shakes for a fresh and satisfying dining experience.
?
?
Burger Village is an organic burger franchise offering grass-fed beef, bison, and vegan burger options with a focus on sustainability.
?
?
.png)
