Smashburger, an American burger restaurant, has collaborated with five franchisees to expand the chain across five US states - Florida, South Carolina, Utah, Colorado and California.
Through this partnership, the restaurant operator is keen to add 19 outlets, besides increasing its total operating markets to 50 with three new additions.
David Walker and Kerry Nohle of Sizzle Adventures will debut the first Smashburger restaurant in Tallahassee and open four locations in the northern Florida area over the next few years.
Josh Snyder of Low Country Burgers will open Smashburger in Charleston and open three new restaurants in the area over the next couple years.
Mark & Chris Beck-McKay of McKay Management will expand the brand's operations in Utah with the opening six new restaurants in Salt Lake City over the next few years.
Lucas & Allyson Farnham of Better Burger Builders plan to open three new restaurants in Colorado Springs over the next few years.
Ron & Ryan Hunter intend to open three new restaurants in Ventura County over the next few years.
Smashburger has also inked an agreement acquire 75% stake in 13 restaurants owned and operated by franchise partner Scott Gillman of Mascott Corporation in New Jersey.
With this agreement, the company gets closer to corporate and franchised breakdown goal of 60% company-owned and 40% franchised locations.
Smashburger chairman and CEO Dave Prokupek said: "New Jersey and the entire East Coast markets are very attractive to us from a corporate and franchise perspective and we believe there is considerable opportunity to expand our footprint here over time."
The chain currently has franchise pipeline of about 300 openings over the next few years, which is in line with company's plans to become global brand with 500 operational restaurants.
