Smashburger has plans for Canada

By Chris McGregor

Restaurants typically seat 40 to 70.

CALGARY—Another U.S. burger chain believes the time is right to test out the market in Canada.

Smashburger, a Denver, Colorado-based casual fast burger chain with more than 140 units in the United States, has settled on Calgary, Alberta for its two first Canadian locations.

The corporate outlets, located in the northeast and northwest parts of the city, are only the start for the company that takes its name from the method of “smashing” the burgers instead of squishing them.

“We believe the Calgary market presents a strong entry point for introducing Smashburger to Canada as it has common roots to our hometown market of Denver where Smashburger has been successful,” said company CEO Dave Prokupek.

As many as 15 restaurants are planned for Calgary and Alberta “over the next several years,” with others planned for Vancouver and Toronto. Prokupek said the company is talking with interested partners about more expansion in British Columbia and Ontario.

He is not afraid of the competition from Hero Certified Burgers, The Works, Relish and Gourmet Burger Company, among others selling fresh, never frozen, custom made burgers.

“There are some very good burger options in the marketplace that have done a great job of growing the appetite for better burgers in Canada. We believe there is room for additional growth in the space and we will fight hard to become Canada’s favourite place for burgers,” Prokupek said.

The Classic Smashburger with cheese.

Smashburger’s burgers are made from 100 per cent Angus beef, and are ‘smashed’ onto the grill from a rolled meatball that the company claims, “Produces a tender and juicy burger that you can taste in every bite.”

The Classic Smashburger comes on an artisan butter-toasted egg bun with lettuce, onions, pickles, tomato and a signature Smash Sauce.

Prokupek predicts that, in total, 55 per cent of the Canadian units will be operated by franchise partners, with the rest being company owned.

“We expect to increase the percentage of franchised units over time but will continue to open corporate restaurants as an important part of our growth strategy,” he explained.

Smashburger outlets range from 1,800 to 2,200 square feet, with seating for 40 to 70 people.

The company also recently announced it plans to expand into Latin America, with 18 franchised stores planned for Central and South America and the Caribbean.