Smasburger expanding east coast presence

Smashburger has added three new partners, which will result in 61 new restaurants and bring the brand’s total active franchise pipeline to over 350 units set to open over the next several years. The new agreements will launch Smashburger into new markets in Florida including Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Ft. Myers and Naples, according to a company press release. 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,” said CEO Scott Crane. “Each of these markets present substantial growth opportunities for the brand as residents are looking for restaurants with quality ingredients at an affordable price.”

The brand 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, Crane said. The company is actively seeking experienced franchise partners to develop and grow the brand domestically and internationally. Franchise availability exists in several east coast markets including: North Virginia, Washington D.C., Baltimore, Boston, New Hampshire, Maine, Orange County New York, Pittsburg, Richmond, Virginia Beach, Fayetteville, North Carolina, Winston-Salem, Greensborough, Myrtle Beach, Savannah, Palm Beach, Ft. Lauderdale and Miami.