Smashburger Celebrates 100th Store Milestone With Chicago Grand Opening

DENVER, April 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Smashburger, the nation's fastest growing  fast casual "better burger" restaurant concept, opens the doors to its 100th store on Wednesday, April 27 in Schaumburg, Illinois. Since its debut more than three years ago, Smashburger has successfully opened stores in 20 states and 29 markets with an even mix of corporate and franchise units.   With these milestones, combined with its award-winning burgers, Denver-based Smashburger continues to become every city's favorite place for burgers with its handcrafted juicy burgers, signature sides, and delicious Haagen-Dazs shakes.

"We've accomplished a lot in three years and can attribute our growth and success to our loyal customers, our talented team and franchise partners, and the dedication of our shareholders and advisors," says Smashburger CEO & Chairman Dave Prokupek. "The strong commitment to our brand by these groups in the midst of a recession has allowed us to achieve rapid success in a short period of time."

Smashburger's award-winning burgers start with 100% Certified Angus Beef, cooked to order and smashed on a flat grill to sear in the juicy flavor – a unique process that creates a delicious $5 burger. Smashburger also serves tender marinated grilled or crispy chicken sandwiches, grilled and split hot dogs, entree salads, with an array of signature sides like rosemary and garlic-seasoned Smashfries, sweet potato Smashfries, crispy haystack onions, and veggie frites. Burger lovers can pair their meals with Haagen-Dazs shakes, malts and floats and an array of local craft bottled beers and wine.

"Burgers are America's favorite food, and Smashburger has put burgers back into peoples' lives in a unique way. It's more than just a place to eat burgers, it's also about becoming part of the culture where our stores open," says Tom Ryan, Founder and Chief Concept Officer.

Smashburger plans to open 85 new stores in 2011 ending the year at approximately 175 units with a goal to reach 500 stores in the next few years. International expansion is also part of Smashburger's plans for continued growth as the restaurant aims to become the number one global "better burger" brand.

About Smashburger

Denver-based Smashburger, the country's fastest growing fast casual "better burger" restaurant concept, is designed to be every city's favorite place for burgers. It was named a 2009 Hot Concepts! award winner by Nation's Restaurant News and has received numerous awards from critics and consumers alike from around the country. Developed and owned by private equity and concept-development firm Consumer Capital Partners (CCP), Smashburger operates and develops corporate, joint venture and franchise stores across the country. Smashburger currently has 100 stores nationwide, and with the commitment from its franchise partners to build over 400 units, Smashburger is on target to have 500 plus stores in the next few years. To learn more, visit www.smashburger.com.

About Consumer Capital Partners

Denver-based Consumer Capital Partners (CCP) is an innovative private investment and concept development firm focused on multi-unit retail businesses, primarily in the restaurant industry. CCP has deep experience in the fields of private equity, brand, concept and product development and strategic consulting. To learn more about CCP, please visit www.consumercp.com.

SOURCE Smashburger