Credit: DENVER-- Smashburger, the nation's fastest growing "better burger " concept, today announced its first international development agreements, which will bring the better burger chain to the Middle East with locations to open in Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. These agreements represent the first expansion for the better burger brand outside of the continental United States.
Smashburger has partnered with Georgetown Advisors to open six Smashburger locations in Kuwait and three in Bahrain. Georgetown Advisors is an independent, Bahrain-based boutique commercial development firm that specializes in developing culinary concepts based on flavor profiles from around the globe. Smashburger is the franchise group's first and only burger concept in its portfolio.
Smashburger has also partnered with the Al Musbah Group to open eight airport locations throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, allowing the company to introduce the brand to a new audience while leveraging brand awareness with U.S. travelers visiting the country. The Al Musbah Group is an experienced multi-unit operator of successful western brands. The company's current portfolio includes Sbarro®, Cinnabon®, Carvel® and Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen®.
"Since we opened the doors to our first Smashburger location in 2007, we were confident that our contemporary concept and premium product offering would have global demand and relevance in a wide variety of countries and cultures to support international growth," said Dave Prokupek, chairman and CEO of Smashburger. "Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia provide vibrant markets with strong appetites for restaurant concepts that have proven successful in the United States. We are eager to bring Smashburger's smashed-to-order burgers and broad menu offering to the Middle East and we look forward to a successful partnership with Al Musbah Group and Georgetown Advisors."
Smashburger's new franchise partners expect to open their first locations in their respective territories over the course of the next year. The company continues to actively seek qualified multi-unit franchise partners to introduce and develop the brand in Canada and the United Kingdom.
Smashburger is a U.S. based restaurant brand that offers customized burgers s made with 100% Certified Angus Beef that is fresh, never frozen. The burgers s are smashed-to-order on a flat grill to sear in the juicy flavor - a unique process that creates a delicious burger that can then be enjoyed with one of Smashburger's signature recipes or with the consumer's favorite toppings for a personalized experience.
Smashburger also serves a variety of chicken sandwiches, grilled and split hot dogs, entrée salads, and a variety of signature sides like hand-tossed rosemary and garlic-seasoned Smashfries, sweet potato Smashfries, crispy haystack onions, and veggie frites. Smashburger guests can pair their meals with handspun Häagen-Dazs shakes, malts and floats and an array of local craft bottled beers and wine.
About Smashburger
Smashburger is the country's fastest growing, fast casual "better burger" franchise ">restaurant. Its hand-crafted burgers s are made with fresh, never frozen, 100% Certified Angus Beef, that are "smashed", seared and seasoned on the grill to juicy perfection for every individual order. Guests can create their own burger masterpiece or enjoy one of Smashburger's innovative signature recipes, including a unique burger for every local market that highlights the distinctive flavors of that region. Smashburger also serves tender marinated grilled or crispy chicken sandwiches, grilled and split hot dogs, freshly prepared entrée salads, kids meals, handspun Häagen-Dazs shakes and an array of signature sides. Developed and owned by private equity firm Consumer Capital Partners (CCP), Smashburger operates and develops both corporate and multi-unit franchise territories across the country with 118 restaurants nationwide. Smashburger was also named to the 2011 Inc. 500 list and is the recipient of the International Council of Shopping Centers 2011 Hot Retailer Award. To learn more, visit www.smashburger.com.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
