SmashBurger

Jollibee takes full ownership of Smashburger

MANILA - Jollibee Foods Corp on Friday said it has taken full ownership of US-chain Smashburger, raising its stake from 85 to 100 percent. In a disclosure to the stock exchange, JFC said its subsidiary Bee Good! Inc has acquired Smashburger Master LLC's 15 percent stake for $10 million. "JFC is now the sole owner of the Smashburger business," the restaurant operator said. "We look forward to the development of Smashburger into a very strong brand and business in the United States," JFC Chairman Tony Tan Caktiong said in a statement. Current Country Head for North America Jose Minana will assume additional responsibility as President of Smashburger, JFC said. Smashburger has 351 stores, mostly in the United States. Jollibee, meanwhile, operates a total of 3,079 restaurant outlets in the Philippines.

Philippines · 13 Dec 2018

SmashBurger launched in Denver Colorado in 2007 by Thomas Ryan. Consumer Capital Partners financially backed the company in its early days and now owns shares in the company. The company has announced plans for an Initial Public Offering (IPO) in May of 2013 but dismissed them due to low valuation. In October of 2015, SmashBurger sold a 40% stake to Jollibee Foods Corporation for USD 100 million. Jollibee is the largest fast food company in the Philippines. The brand was having trouble finding a CEO after Michael Nolan resigned in December of 2016 after 8 months in the position. Nolan’s successor, Scott Crane, also resigned after three years in the job. Thomas Ryan is back in top and is filling the CEO position.

26 Dec 2016

Smashburger Signs Multiunit Deal in Qatar and UAE

Smashburger is expanding its presence in the Middle East. The rapidly expanding better-burger restaurant announced a new partnership with Pearll Investments LLC to grow the brand in Qatar and United Arab Emirates, including Dubai and Doha, with 26 restaurants planned to open over the next several years. Twenty-two of the 26 units will open in United Arab Emirates and the remaining four restaurants will open in Qatar. The new agreement continues the rapid global expansion for the brand. UAE and Qatar operations will join Smashburger operations underway in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, as well as new restaurants in the United Kingdom and Egypt coming later this year. "Smashburger's international expansion has really taken off and we're excited to be adding United Arab Emirates and Qatar to our portfolio of international countries," says Scott Crane, president and CEO of Smashburger. "Our new franchise partners are experienced restaurant operators, and we're confident they will help us grow the brand throughout this part of the region. Dubai in particular is an attractive destination for people all across the world, and we're looking forward to bringing our made-to-order, hand-crafted burgers to a community that is experiencing growth and high traffic visibility year around." Pearll Investments LLC, and its sister company Leemaar Investment, are owned by Mr. Saif who owns and operates a multitude of restaurant companies in the Middle East and across the globe. The group has substantial experience in running successful brands across the globe, including restaurants located in the United States. The group was looking to grow its restaurant portfolio by partnering with a fast-casual partner and chose Smashburger for its menu diversity and upscale guest experience. "Despite there being an ample number of fast-casual restaurants in this region, the industry has yet to reach its potential in United Arab Emirates and Qatar and we feel there is a huge opportunity for brands such as Smashburger," says Abdel Hameed, chairman of Pearll Investments. "Due to its focus on quality, taste, and wholesome ingredients, we are certain Smashburger will be a success and we look forward to bringing the fresh, smashed-to-order concept to the Arabic community and replicating the success of the brand internationally." 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 over 355 restaurants across the United States, Kuwait, Canada, El Salvador, Panama, Costa Rica, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. Smashburger is actively seeking partners to spread the global appetite for America's favorite food internationally in Europe, Asia, South America, and beyond. Smashburger is also seeking additional partners to help grow the presence in new markets in the United States.

United States of America · 10 Feb 2016

Smashburger to open 26 restaurants in Middle East

Last year, Denver-based Smashburger was on a growth tear, spreading all over the eastern U.S. and elsewhere in the country, then to the United Kingdom, and into Egypt. And if the Denver-based chain's most recent bite of news is any indication, the company has no intention of slowing down anytime soon. Smashburger will open 26 restaurants in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, including Dubai in the UAE and Qatar's capital Doha, by working with Pearll Investments LLC, a firm that operates in the Middle East. "Our new franchise partners are experienced restaurant operators and we're confident they will help us grow the brand throughout this part of the region," said Scott Crane, president and CEO of Smashburger. "Dubai in particular is an attractive destination for people all across the world," Crane said, "and we're looking forward to bringing our made-to-order, hand-crafted burgers to a community that is experiencing growth and high traffic visibility year around." Abdel Hameed, chairman of Pearll Investments, said the firm is looking to grow its restaurant portfolio in the fast-casual business. "Despite there being an ample number of fast casual restaurants in this region, the industry has yet to reach its potential in United Arab Emirates and Qatar and we feel there is a huge opportunity for brands such as Smashburger," Hameed said. Four of the planned 26 restaurants will open in Qatar, while 22 will open in the United Arab Emirates. Smashburger currently operates more than 355 restaurants in the U.S., Kuwait, Canada, El Salvador, Panama, Costa Rica, Bahrain, the U.K., Egypt and Saudi Arabia, with plans to open 60 to 80 more in the world in 2016.

United States of America · 10 Feb 2016

SmashBurger launched in Denver Colorado in 2007. The company has announced plans for an Initial Public Offering (IPO) in May of 2013 but dismissed them due to low valuation. In October of 2015, SmashBurger sold a 40% stake to Jollibee Foods Corporation for USD 100 million. Jollibee is the largest fast food company in the Philippines.

1 Dec 2015

Smashburger sells stake to Jollibee, burger chain valued at $335M

Smashburger Master LLC, one of the upmarket chains shaking up the burger business, said it agreed to sell a 40% stake to Jollibee Foods Corp. of the Philippines for $100 million. The deal values Smashburger, which has 335 restaurants in 35 states and 7 countries, at $335 million, the companies said Monday. Jollibee is the largest restaurant company in the Philippines, operating more than 3,000 restaurants, including Burger King Philippines. Jollibee said it has been seeking an investment in a U.S. growth brand. Smashburger Chief Executive Scott Crane said that the agreement will help accelerate Smashburger’s international expansion, but that the initial focus is on continuing its domestic growth. Smashburger next year plans to open 80 restaurants, about 10 of them outside the U.S. The deal values Smashburger at far less than the $1.5 billion market capitalization of rival Shake Shack Inc. SHAK, +1.57% which went public in January to much fanfare. Shares of Shake Shack rose sharply through May, but have since fallen by more than half, including a 12% drop last week after the company converted some of its Class B shares into Class A shares to allow pre-IPO investors to cash out.

United States of America · 11 Oct 2015

Smashburger to Develop 25 Units in Egypt

Smashburger is smashing its way to Egypt. The critically acclaimed fast-casual, better-burger restaurant with fresh, smashed-to-order burgers, is excited to announce that it has added the Pearll Investment Group as a new franchise partner in Egypt. This is Smashburger’s initial entry into Egypt, with 25 restaurants expected to open over the next several years. The launch of Smashburger in Egypt will expand the brand footprint to nine countries. Smashburger offers a diverse menu featuring quality, fresh, smashed-to-order burgers that are seared and seasoned on the grill to lock-in natural juices. The menu features innovative burger combinations, or guests can create their own burger or chicken sandwich, customizing the bun, sauces, toppings, and cheese. Customers can pair burgers with irresistible sides, like seasoned fries with rosemary, olive oil, and garlic, haystack onions, or fried pickles, or indulge in a wide variety of additional menu items, like fresh salads, premium handspun Häagen-Dazs shakes and craft beer, all at a great value. “We are absolutely thrilled to bring our first Smashburger to Egypt. Mr. Saif Jaffar Alketbi and Mr. Abdel Hameed Mostafa Ahmed will be valuable members of the Smashburger team, especially with their extensive operations experience,” says Scott Crane, CEO of Smashburger. “The Egypt communities are experiencing explosive growth and are perfect targets for our brand. We feel confident the local community will embrace our customized, hand-crafted burgers." Currently owning more than 10 chain-restaurants in the region, Pearll Investment Group brings extensive restaurant management and operations experience to the table and will be funding the growth of the Smashburger operation in Egypt. Smashburger restaurants in Egypt will be led by Abdel Hameed Mostafa Ahmed, who has 10 years of experience in the fast casual industry. Smashburger will be Pearll Investment Group’s latest addition to the better burger landscape in the Egypt. “The fast casual dining market has yet to reach its potential in Egypt and there is a huge opportunity for brands such as Smashburger,” Abdel says. “Due to its focus on quality and taste, we are certain Smashburger will be a success and we look forward to bringing the fresh, smashed to order concept to Egypt and replicating the success of the brand internationally.” Since January this year, Smashburger has added approximately 65 new restaurants and has seen 22 percent new unit growth. Across the United States, Kuwait, Canada, El Salvador, Panama, Costa Rica, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia, there are currently more than 330 total units. Smashburger is actively seeking partners to spread the global appetite for America’s favorite food internationally in Europe, Asia, South America, and beyond.

United Arab Emirates · 4 Oct 2015

SmashBurger launched in Denver Colorado in 2007. The brand currently operates in seven countries; Canada, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Kuwait, Panama, Saudi Arabia, and the US. There are only eight SmashBurger international locations, which are location in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Four locations in Kuwait and four in Saudi Arabia. The company has announced plans for an Initial Public Offering (IPO) in May of 2013.

17 Dec 2014

Smash Burger was first launched in Denver Colorado in 2007. The restaurant chain was first called “IconBurger” and then changed to its current name, SmashBurger. The brand currently operates 239 locations in the United States and is expected to open 17 more locations by the end of 2013. There are only five SmashBurger international locations which are location in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Four of the locations are in Kuwait and one is in Saudi.

28 Oct 2013

Smash Burger افتتاح الفرع الثالث لمطعم سماش برغر بالكويت

مطعم سماش برغر المتخصص بالبرغر الامريكي افتتح فرعه الثالث بالكويت في منطقة ابو حليفة ودعى مدونة كيفي لحضور حفل ما قبل افتتاحه الرسمي سماش برغر فتح اول محل له في امريكا في كولورادو عام ٢٠٠٨ وحاليا في ٢٠٠ محل بامريكا وفرع سماش برغر الاول بالكويت في ذا فيليج في ابوالحصانيه يعتبر اول فرع خارج امريكا حاليا في فروع اخرى في السعودية مكانهم شرح وكبير القعده الخارجيه وايد اكبر من الداخليه وحاطين دفايات للبرد والجو حده جميل داخل المطعم في جانب صوفات وجانب كراسي الخشب

Kuwait · 24 Dec 2012

SmashBurger Mishref is ready to Open this Thursday

بدأ العد التنازلي لإفتتاح الفرع الثاني لمطعم سماش برجر في مشرف حيث سيتم افتتاحه يوم الخميس الساعه 10 صباحاً كانت لي تجربة سابقه بتذوق برجر سماش بفرعهم الاول ببو الحصانيه (اضغط هنـا) اليوم كنت رايحه الجمعية ولما نزلت من السياره كان في ريحة عجيبة .. ريحة شي لذيذ لما قربت ونزلت من صوب المسافط شفت انه سماش مبطل بس ماكانوا فاتحينه للزباين مجرد تجهيزات لافتتاح يوم الخميس ان شاء الله القعده برا وايد حلوة خصوصاً انه هالايام الجو بدى يتعدل وبالليل الجو جميل المكان من داخل صغير وليلحين مو مرتب فما خذيت صور الا لمكان الكاونتر

Kuwait · 21 Oct 2012

New Smash Burger

قريبا افتتاح الفرع الثالث من سلسلة مطاعم سماش بيرجر بجانب ابراج الفنطاس (عالية وغالية) يذكر ان الفرع الاول من سلسلة مطاعم سماش بيرجر افتتح في ذا فيلج في منطقة ابو الحصاني والفرع الثاني سيتم افتتاحة في جمعية مشرف التعاونية

Kuwait · 7 Sep 2012

Review : Smash Burger

الاسبوع اللي طاف كان ودنا ناكل برجر وقررنا نجرب المطعم اليديد سماش برجر في ذا فيلج وهو اول فرع يفتح بالشرق الاوسط بعد الولايات المتحده وتحديداً كولورادو وصلنا وكان المكان زحمه مشاء الله لكن اقل من 5 دقايق ولقينا طاولة فضت خذينا المنيو ولقينا فيه انواع برجر يديدة وغريبة وهم تقدرون تسوون برجركم الخاص بالمحتويات اللي تحبونها وكان فيه بعد برجر بأسم الكويت لكن للي يحب الفلفل لأنه فيها علوب

Kuwait · 27 Apr 2012

New Store Opening

تم افتتاح مطعم سماش بيرجر اليوم في جمعية مشرف التعاونية بجوار هارديز

Kuwait · 3 Feb 2012

SMASHBURGER ANNOUNCES FIRST INTERNATIONAL EXPANSION WITH DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT FOR MIDDLE EAST

Denver, CO – September 7, 2011 – Smashburger, the nation’s fastest growing “better burger” concept, today announced its first international development agreements, which will bring the better burger chain to the Middle East with locations to open in Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. These agreements represent the first expansion for the better burger brand outside of the continental United States. Smashburger has partnered with Georgetown Advisors to open six Smashburger locations in Kuwait and three in Bahrain. Georgetown Advisors is an independent, Bahrain-based boutique commercial development firm that specializes in developing culinary concepts based on flavor profiles from around the globe. Smashburger is the franchise group’s first and only burger concept in its portfolio. Smashburger has also partnered with the Al Musbah Group to open eight airport locations throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, allowing the company to introduce the brand to a new audience while leveraging brand awareness with U.S. travelers visiting the country. The Al Musbah Group is an experienced multi-unit operator of successful western brands. The company’s current portfolio includes Sbarro®, Cinnabon®, Carvel® and Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen®. “Since we opened the doors to our first Smashburger location in 2007, we were confident that our contemporary concept and premium product offering would have global demand and relevance in a wide variety of countries and cultures to support international growth,” said Dave Prokupek, chairman and CEO of Smashburger. “Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia provide vibrant markets with strong appetites for restaurant concepts that have proven successful in the United States. We are eager to bring Smashburger’s smashed-to-order burgers and broad menu offering to the Middle East and we look forward to a successful partnership with Al Musbah Group and Georgetown Advisors.” Smashburger’s new franchise partners expect to open their first locations in their respective territories over the course of the next year. The company continues to actively seek qualified multi-unit franchise partners to introduce and develop the brand in Canada and the United Kingdom. Smashburger is a U.S. based restaurant brand that offers customized burgers made with 100% Certified Angus Beef that is fresh, never frozen. The burgers are smashed-to-order on a flat grill to sear in the juicy flavor – a unique process that creates a delicious burger that can then be enjoyed with one of Smashburger’s signature recipes or with the consumer’s favorite toppings for a personalized experience. Smashburger also serves a variety of chicken sandwiches, grilled and split hot dogs, entrée salads, and a variety of signature sides like hand-tossed rosemary and garlic–seasoned Smashfries, sweet potato Smashfries, crispy haystack onions, and veggie frites. Smashburger guests can pair their meals with handspun Häagen-Dazs shakes, malts and floats and an array of local craft bottled beers and wine. About Smashburger Smashburger is the country’s fastest growing, fast casual “better burger” restaurant. Its hand-crafted burgers are made with fresh, never frozen, 100% Certified Angus Beef, that are “smashed”, seared and seasoned on the grill to juicy perfection for every individual order. Guests can create their own burger masterpiece or enjoy one of Smashburger’s innovative signature recipes, including a unique burger for every local market that highlights the distinctive flavors of that region. Smashburger also serves tender marinated grilled or crispy chicken sandwiches, grilled and split hot dogs, freshly prepared entrée salads, kids meals, handspun Häagen-Dazs shakes and an array of signature sides. Developed and owned by private equity firm Consumer Capital Partners (CCP), Smashburger operates and develops both corporate and multi-unit franchise territories across the country with 118 restaurants nationwide. Smashburger was also the recipient of the International Council of Shopping Centers 2011 Hot Retailer Award. To learn more, visit www.smashburger.com. ### Media Contact Kristina Jorge, ICR 203-682-8349 kjorge@icrinc.com

Saudi Arabia · 6 Sep 2011