Smashburger Dubbed a 2009 Hot Concept!

Smashburger has been named a 2009 "hot concept" winner by the editors of Nation's Restaurant News.  The hamburger chain is barely two years old and its first store became a smash hit on the fast casual dining scene.

"We are both honored and humbled to receive this prestigious award from Nation's Restaurant News,"  said Tom Ryan, Smashburger's founder and managing partner of its parent, Consumer Capital Partners. Smashburger is a Denver-based concept.  It launched and funded with $15 million by private equity and concept development firm Consumer Capital Partners, led by Quiznos' past CEO Greg Brenneman and Quiznos' current CEO Rick Schaden, is the investment arm associated with the Quiznos subway chain.

Ryan said, "The fact that we were recognized so early in our development tells us our pledge to become every city's favorite burger place struck a chord with burger lovers.  Now we will focus on doing what we do best, winning over customers one burger at a time."

Smashburger was the newest and fastest-growing of all the "hot concept" winners, which included an airport wine bar, a frozen yogurt shop and a Neapolitan pizza restaurant.

 They have sold over 200 new Smashburgers.  One new franchisee is Dallas Cowboys' Leonard Davis, who has contractually committed to open 30 units in Texas. 

Smashburger sells gourmet burgers made from Angus beef but they also sell Smashchicken sandwiches, Smashdog, and Smashsalads, with sides like veggie frites and rosemary and garlic- seasoned Smashfries.  Burger lovers can pair their meals with beer, win Haagen-Dazs shakes and IBC root-beer floats.

The 2009 Hot Concepts Awards will be presented during NRN's 50the Anniversary Mutlti-Unit Foodservice Operators Conference to be held at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas from Oct 4-6.

The company plans to sell and open 500 plus restaurants across the country, 30 to 60 in 2009.