Smashburger The American Burger Chain Known for Fresh Smashed Burgers

Overview

Smashburger is an American fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in freshly prepared smashed burgers, chicken sandwiches, fries, shakes, and other handcrafted comfort food. Founded in Denver, Colorado, in 2007, the brand introduced a burger-cooking technique that quickly distinguished it from many traditional fast-food competitors.

Today, Smashburger operates restaurants across the United States and several international markets. Since becoming part of the Jollibee Group, the company has continued developing its position within the competitive premium burger segment while maintaining its focus on freshly cooked ingredients and made-to-order meals.

For many customers, Smashburger offers a balance between quick-service convenience and restaurant-quality preparation, making it a popular destination for freshly grilled burgers and handcrafted sides.

About the Restaurant

Smashburger was founded by Tom Ryan and Rick Schaden, who envisioned a restaurant centered on burgers cooked using the smash technique. Instead of placing burger patties gently onto a grill, cooks press fresh beef firmly onto a hot cooking surface during the first moments of preparation.

This technique creates a flavorful caramelized crust through the Maillard reaction while sealing in juices inside the burger. The result is a burger with a crisp exterior, tender interior, and distinctive texture that has become closely associated with the Smashburger brand.

The concept quickly attracted customers looking for freshly prepared burgers that emphasized quality ingredients and handcrafted preparation rather than mass production.

Joining the Jollibee Group

Jollibee Foods Corporation first invested in Smashburger in 2015 before acquiring full ownership in 2018. The acquisition represented another important milestone in Jollibee Group's international growth strategy, expanding its presence within the United States while strengthening its portfolio of premium restaurant brands.

Through the partnership, Smashburger continues operating under its established identity while benefiting from Jollibee Group's experience in restaurant operations, international expansion, and long-term brand development.

What Smashburger Serves

Freshly smashed burgers remain the centerpiece of the menu. Burgers are prepared using certified beef that is smashed onto a hot grill immediately after placement, creating the caramelized crust that defines the restaurant's cooking style.

Alongside burgers, Smashburger offers crispy chicken sandwiches, grilled chicken options, turkey burgers, black bean burgers, salads, fries, tater tots, milkshakes, desserts, soft drinks, and seasonal menu items. Many locations also feature regional specialty burgers inspired by local tastes across the United States.

The combination of freshly cooked burgers, premium toppings, toasted buns, and made-to-order preparation has helped establish Smashburger as one of the leading names in the American fast-casual burger category.

The Smashburger Difference

The technique that gives Smashburger its name remains the foundation of the restaurant's identity. Instead of shaping burger patties long before cooking, fresh beef is placed onto a hot flat-top grill and immediately pressed with a heavy metal smasher. This brief pressing creates greater contact with the cooking surface, allowing the meat to develop a rich, caramelized crust while remaining juicy inside.

The cooking process highlights natural beef flavor rather than relying heavily on seasoning or sauces. Combined with freshly toasted buns, crisp vegetables, premium cheeses, and carefully selected toppings, each burger is designed to deliver a balanced combination of texture and flavor.

This approach has helped distinguish Smashburger within the American fast-casual dining market, where customers increasingly seek freshly prepared meals made to order.

Beyond Burgers

Although burgers remain the centerpiece of the menu, Smashburger offers a variety of other options to appeal to different preferences. Crispy chicken sandwiches, grilled chicken sandwiches, turkey burgers, black bean burgers, salads, kids' meals, desserts, and hand-spun milkshakes provide choices for customers seeking alternatives to traditional beef burgers.

Side dishes are equally important to the dining experience. Smash Fries, seasoned with rosemary, olive oil, and garlic, have become one of the restaurant's signature accompaniments. Sweet potato fries, tater tots, onion rings, and other rotating side dishes further expand the menu while complementing the restaurant's burgers.

Seasonal menu items and regional specialties are also introduced periodically, allowing individual markets to feature flavors inspired by local tastes while maintaining the brand's overall identity.

Growing Across the United States and Beyond

Following its launch in Denver, Smashburger expanded rapidly throughout the United States before entering international markets. Restaurants have opened in countries across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and other regions through a combination of company-operated and franchised locations.

The brand's continued growth reflects rising consumer interest in premium burgers prepared with fresh ingredients and made-to-order cooking methods. Rather than competing solely on speed, Smashburger emphasizes quality preparation, customizable menu options, and a more relaxed dining experience than traditional fast-food restaurants.

As part of the Jollibee Group, Smashburger continues strengthening its position within the international fast-casual restaurant industry while remaining focused on the cooking techniques and fresh ingredients that established its reputation.

Who May Enjoy Smashburger?

Smashburger welcomes burger enthusiasts, families, students, professionals, travelers, and anyone looking for freshly prepared American comfort food. Its menu offers options for different tastes, whether customers prefer classic beef burgers, chicken sandwiches, vegetarian alternatives, salads, or handcrafted milkshakes.

For visitors exploring American restaurant brands, Smashburger provides an opportunity to experience one of the country's best-known fast-casual burger chains while learning how a simple cooking technique helped shape an internationally recognized restaurant concept.

Contact Information

Restaurant: Smashburger

Founded: 2007

Founders: Tom Ryan and Rick Schaden

Origin: Denver, Colorado, United States

Parent Company: Jollibee Foods Corporation (Jollibee Group)

Industry: Fast-Casual Restaurant

Specialties: Smashed burgers, chicken sandwiches, turkey burgers, black bean burgers, Smash Fries, milkshakes, salads, and handcrafted American comfort food.

Official Website:
https://www.smashburger.com

Interesting Facts

Smashburger opened its first restaurant in Denver, Colorado, in 2007.
The brand takes its name from the burger "smashing" technique, where fresh beef is pressed onto a hot grill to create a caramelized crust while keeping the inside juicy.
Smash Fries, seasoned with rosemary, garlic, and olive oil, have become one of the restaurant's signature side dishes.
Jollibee Foods Corporation first invested in Smashburger in 2015 before acquiring full ownership in 2018.
The company operates restaurants across the United States and several international markets through company-owned and franchised locations.
Smashburger belongs to the fast-casual dining segment, offering made-to-order meals that bridge the gap between traditional fast food and casual dining restaurants.

Final Thoughts

Smashburger has built its reputation around a simple but distinctive cooking method that transforms fresh beef into flavorful burgers with crisp edges and juicy centers. Combined with quality ingredients, handcrafted sides, and a relaxed dining atmosphere, the brand has become an important name in the American fast-casual restaurant industry.

Today, as part of the Jollibee Group's international portfolio, Smashburger continues serving customers through restaurants across the United States and beyond. Whether someone visits for a classic smashed burger, Smash Fries, a grilled chicken sandwich, or a handcrafted milkshake, every meal reflects the company's commitment to fresh preparation, quality ingredients, and approachable American comfort food.