Smashburger Announces Two New East Coast Franchise Agreements

Smashburger yesterday announced new franchise deals to grow the company's East Coast presence, which will bring 20 new restaurants to key markets over the next seven years. The new franchisees PCM Food Services LLC and Robison Peck Group LLC, bring significant restaurant and franchise experience to Smashburger's rapidly growing team.

The first new franchise agreement with Robison Peck Group LLC, owned by Eric Robison and Charlie Peck, will bring 15 Smashburger restaurants to the Savanna and Atlanta, Georgia area over the next seven years. Robison and Peck have been friends since college, and bring more than a decade of combined franchise ownership experience to Smashburger. The pair own 50 Verizon stores in four states. Prior to their partnership, Charlie oversaw operations of more than 20 Arby's restaurants.

The second franchise agreement with PCM Food Services LLC, owned by Jerry Davis will bring five restaurants to Broward County in Florida over the next four years. Davis owns and operates PeakCM LLC, a full service commercial construction management company specializing in the hospitality and entertainment industry. He also owns one Hampton Inn Franchise.

"We are pleased to continue our expansion in the southeast through our new franchise agreements with Robison Peck Group LLC and PCM Food Services LLC," said Michael Nolan, Executive Vice President & Chief Development Officer of Smashburger. "These new partners bring extensive experience and a passion for delivering a great product and exemplary customer service. We are excited to continue the rapid expansion of our business alongside franchisees who share our vision to restore the American burger to greatness."

Additionally, Smashburger will continue its expansion on the East Coast in the D.C. Metro market, and is preparing to celebrate the brand's first franchised location in the D.C. metropolitan area later this month. This milestone opening represents the first of a five store development deal with franchisee Julian Goodman of Ashford Holdings East LLC, signed in May 2014. The first restaurant will open Wednesday, April 20, at 10 a.m at 1800 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland. The menu includes the Capital Burger, Smashburger's custom-designed regional burger topped with grilled onions, aged Swiss cheese, baby arugula, applewood-smoked bacon, tomatoes and mayo on a brioche bun. Like all of Smashburger's signature burgers, the Capital Burger is also available as a grilled or crispy chicken sandwich.

"We look forward to expanding our presence on the East Coast, particularly in the DC Metro market," commented Nolan. "Julian is an experienced franchise owner, and we are proud to work with him to further expand our footprint in the United StatesCapital."

The Smashburger menu is centered on quality, fresh, smashed-to-order burgers that are seared in butter and seasoned on the griddle to lock-in natural juices. The menu features innovative burger combinations served up on toasted artisan buns and loaded with fresh toppings. Smashburger features fresh never frozen 100% Certified Angus Beef burgers, grilled or crispy chicken sandwiches and a black bean burger. Guests can create their own unique combinations by customizing the bun, sauces, toppings and cheese. Customers can choose from irresistible sides, like signature Smashfries seasoned with rosemary, olive oil and garlic, haystack onions or fried pickles, or enjoy in a wide variety of additional menu items, such as fresh salads, premium handspun shakes made with Haagen-Dazs® ice cream and craft beer, all at a great value.

Smashburger has plans to open an additional 60-80 restaurants in 2016 including expansion across the globe and into new markets in the United States. The brand currently operates more than 360 restaurants across the United States, Kuwait, Canada, El Salvador, Panama, Costa Rica, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.