Smashburger has built a loyal following across the country by putting a premium spin on the classic American burger. With its signature smashed Angus beef patties, seared to create a caramelized, flavor-packed crust, this fast-casual concept has carved out a distinct niche in the competitive burger space. For entrepreneurs looking to invest in a recognized, scalable restaurant brand, Smashburger offers an opportunity built on nearly two decades of culinary innovation and operational refinement.
Franchise · Food & Restaurant
Smashburger Franchise
Smashed Angus beef burgers backed by a global restaurant group since 2018
2007
Year founded
$500,000
Liquid capital
What you need to get started
Liquid capital
The liquid capital you bring to get started.
$500,000
What it's about
- Founded
- 2007
- Type of business
- Fast-casual burger restaurant
- Company
- Smashburger
Fact sheet
Inside Smashburger
The right questions before you start
The concept at a glance
Founded in 2007 in Denver, Colorado, Smashburger set out to elevate the traditional burger experience by combining high-heat cooking techniques with fresh, quality ingredients. The menu extends well beyond burgers, featuring chicken sandwiches, turkey burgers, crisp salads, seasoned fries, and hand-spun milkshakes — a lineup designed to appeal to a broad range of tastes while keeping operations streamlined for franchise partners. In 2018, Smashburger became part of Jollibee Foods Corporation, one of the largest restaurant conglomerates in the world, giving the brand access to significant resources, global reach, and deep industry expertise as it continues to expand its footprint in the United States and abroad.
Why join this franchise?
Smashburger stands out in the crowded fast-casual dining sector thanks to its strong brand identity and a menu built around a signature cooking method that's difficult to replicate. Backing from Jollibee Foods Corporation adds a layer of stability and strategic support rarely available to franchise systems of similar size. For investors, this translates into a restaurant model that combines proven consumer appeal with the infrastructure of a major international restaurant group.
- Established, recognizable brand in the fast-casual burger category
- Backing and resources from a major global restaurant corporation
- Diverse, crowd-pleasing menu beyond just burgers
- Comprehensive training and operational support systems
- A scalable restaurant model suited to growth-minded operators
Who they're looking for
Smashburger primarily seeks experienced multi-unit franchise operators who understand the demands of running restaurant locations at scale. Ideal candidates bring a background in food service or multi-unit business management, along with the financial capacity and operational discipline needed to open and manage multiple restaurants. A hands-on approach to team leadership, strong local market knowledge, and a genuine passion for hospitality are all valued traits in prospective franchise partners.
Requirements and investment
Prospective franchisees should be prepared to demonstrate liquid capital of approximately $500,000 to secure the financing necessary to launch a Smashburger location. While the exact total investment figure, including all initial fees, was not disclosed, candidates should expect costs in line with a full-service fast-casual restaurant build-out, encompassing leasehold improvements, kitchen equipment, signage, initial inventory, and training. As with most established restaurant franchises, ongoing royalty and marketing fund contributions typically apply throughout the term of the franchise agreement. Interested candidates are encouraged to request detailed financial disclosures directly from the franchisor to get a complete picture of the investment required.
Key facts
- Year founded: 2007
- Headquarters: Denver, Colorado
- Parent company: Jollibee Foods Corporation (since 2018)
- Liquid capital required: approximately $500,000
- Ideal candidate profile: experienced multi-unit restaurant operators
If you're ready to explore what it takes to bring the Smashburger experience to your community, now is the time to connect with the brand. Request more information today to learn about franchise availability, investment details, and next steps toward becoming a Smashburger franchisee.
How much does a Smashburger franchise cost?
Candidates should show around $500,000 in liquid capital to line up financing. The exact total investment was not disclosed, but expect costs typical of a fast-casual build-out — leasehold improvements, kitchen equipment, signage, opening inventory and training — plus ongoing royalty and marketing contributions.
Who owns Smashburger?
Jollibee Foods Corporation, a restaurant conglomerate among the biggest worldwide, took over the brand in 2018. That ownership gives the chain access to resources, international reach and deep industry expertise as it keeps expanding in the U.S. and abroad.
What are the requirements to become a Smashburger franchisee?
The company mainly recruits experienced multi-unit operators able to open and manage several restaurants. Useful backgrounds include food service or multi-location business management, together with the financial capacity, operational discipline, local market knowledge and hands-on leadership the system expects.
What is on the Smashburger menu?
The signature product is an Angus beef patty smashed on a high-heat surface to build a caramelized crust. The menu also lists turkey burgers, salads, seasoned fries, chicken sandwiches and hand-spun shakes, which widens appeal while keeping the kitchen streamlined.
When was Smashburger founded?
The first restaurant opened in 2007 in Denver, Colorado, where the brand is still headquartered. Nearly two decades of culinary and operational refinement stand behind the current franchise offering.
Sources and data verification
The figures on this page come from the following sources:
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