SMASHBURGER
Smashburger Franchising LLC grants franchises for operating Smashburger restaurants featuring gourmet smash burgers, sandwiches, salads, shakes, floats, and other beverages in a casual fast-casual atmosphere. The business model emphasizes multi-unit development agreements for opening multiple locations in defined territories, with initial investments ranging from $1.17M to $2.18M per restaurant, targeting franchisees interested in scalable growth. It serves consumers seeking high-quality, customizable quick-service meals in relaxed dining environments.
Disclaimer: This information was extracted using AI from public Franchise Disclosure Documents and should be independently verified. This is not financial or legal advice. Always review official FDD filings before making investment decisions.
Overview
Financial Requirements
5.5% royalty + 2.25% ad fund + $345-$377/mo fixed vendor fees (music, pest control, surveys, gift cards, digital menu)
Franchise Stats
Financial Performance
Item 19 Financial Performance
This franchise did not provide Item 19 financial performance data.
Be careful if you are interested in investing. The lack of financial performance representations may indicate limited data or varying results across franchises.
Extracted Item 19 Section
How SMASHBURGER Compares to Other Fast Food Franchises
Key Insights
- Higher investment than 85% of Fast Food franchises
- Lower than average SBA loan default rate in Fast Food
| Franchise | Investment Range | Franchise Fee | Royalty | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
SMASHBURGER Current | $1.2M - $2.3M | $40K | 5.5% | 65 |
| Burger King | $2.1M - $4.7M | $50K | 4.5% | 19,732 |
| MCDONALD'S | $1.5M - $2.6M | $45K | N/A | 12,772 |
| AFC | $45K - $151K | $6K | 9.5% | 3,572 |
| SONIC DRIVE-IN | $1.7M - $3.1M | $15K | 5.0% | 3,441 |
| JIMMY JOHN'S | $366K - $728K | $35K | 6.0% | 2,647 |
Fast Food Average 127 franchises | $605K - $1.5M | $35K | 6.1% | - |
* Comparison based on latest FDD filings. Investment ranges from Item 7, fees from Item 5. Showing top 5 of 127 Fast Food franchises by location count.
Locations & Growth
Outlet Growth Over Time
Total outlets at end of each year
Geographic Distribution (2024)
Outlets by state across the United States
+15 more states
SBA Loan History
Historical SBA 7(a) loan data for SMASHBURGER franchisees (2011 - 2024)
Loans by Year
* Data sourced from SBA 7(a) FOIA loan records. Default rate calculated from charged-off loans.
Franchisee Contacts
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Due Diligence
Litigation (Item 3)
No litigation involving franchisees reported in the FDD.
Bankruptcy (Item 4)
No bankruptcy history reported in the FDD.
System Health (Item 20)
Franchise system changes reported in the most recent fiscal year
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to open a SMASHBURGER franchise?
The total initial investment to open a SMASHBURGER franchise ranges from $1,239,500 to $2,255,500. This includes a franchise fee of $40,000. Ongoing royalty fees are 5.5% of gross sales.
How many SMASHBURGER franchise locations are there?
As of the 2025 FDD, SMASHBURGER has 65 franchise locations. The company has been franchising since 2008.
Can you get an SBA loan for a SMASHBURGER franchise?
Yes, SBA loans are available for SMASHBURGER franchises. Historical data shows 13 SBA 7(a) loans have been approved for SMASHBURGER franchisees, with an average loan amount of $602,577. The historical default rate is 15.4%.
Is SMASHBURGER a good franchise to buy?
Whether SMASHBURGER is a good franchise investment depends on your personal goals, available capital, and local market conditions. We recommend reviewing the full FDD, speaking with existing franchisees listed in Item 20, and consulting with a franchise attorney before making a decision.
Interested in SMASHBURGER?
Talk to a franchise advisor to get personalized guidance and learn if SMASHBURGER is the right fit for you.
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