Smashburger Hires John Harris As Senior VP of Marketing

Marketing Veteran Joins Restaurant Chain to Guide the Smashburger Brand

Jun 2, 2010 - 11:24
Smashburger has appointed John Harris as Senior Vice President of Marketing. As the company grows at a rapid rate, having sold franchise and joint venture agreements to open more than 350 locations over the next five years, Harris will play an integral role in guiding Smashburger as it becomes one of the great American brands. As an industry-leading integrated marketer, he has launched, grown and optimized some of the most renowned consumer brands across all media platforms, including advertising, promotions, public relations, social media and digital marketing.


“Smashburger is a relatively young restaurant, but is growing at an accelerated rate”


Harris has 20 years of experience in leading brand strategy and marketing communications for restaurant, beverage and packaged goods companies on a local, national and global level. Previously, Harris served as President of TBWA’s Karsh\Hagan Advertising in Denver, developing marketing campaigns for McDonald’s, Fresh Gourmet, American Crew and TD Ameritrade. As Senior Vice President of The Integer Group, one of the world’s largest retail marketing agencies, Harris led the brand and retail marketing efforts for Coors Brewing Company, the customer marketing teams for Procter & Gamble, and launched Integer’s digital marketing practice.

Advertisement
“John’s industry knowledge will support Smashburger’s exponential growth and our goal of becoming every city’s favorite place for burgers,” says Smashburger Chairman and CEO David Prokupek. “Our fast-casual concept and delicious menu items are truly resonating with our customers. John’s expertise will continue to build our brand as we spread our concept across the country through traditional marketing initiatives as well as nontraditional methods such as social media and mobile technologies.”

“Smashburger is a relatively young restaurant, but is growing at an accelerated rate,” says Smashburger Senior VP of Marketing John Harris. “I look forward to providing guidance and strategic direction for Smashburger as we mature and become one of America’s favorite new brands.”

Denver-based Smashburger is a fast-casual restaurant designed to be every city’s favorite burger place. Developed and owned by private equity and concept-development firm Consumer Capital Partners (CCP), Smashburger develops both corporate and joint venture partner stores. The company has sold franchise agreements that will total more than 275 locations over the next five years. The corporate, joint venture, and franchise development deals are part of Smashburger’s plan to open 500-plus restaurants across the country, 100-125 stores will be open nationwide by the end of 2010. Smashburger was named a 2009 Hot Concepts! award winner by Nation’s Restaurant News.