Smashburger®
What Is Smashburger?
Smashburger is a casual restaurant franchise featuring a menu of gourmet burgers, sandwiches, salads, shakes, floats, and other beverages. Franchise operations may include the sale of alcoholic beverages (wine and beer) subject to local liquor licensing, and the franchisor may authorize alternative formats including Special Venue Restaurants such as kiosks, mobile facilities, and locations within larger venues (for example, colleges/universities, convention centers, airports, hotels, sports facilities, theme parks, hospitals, transportation facilities, and convenience stores).
Smashburger Franchise: Pros and Cons
The franchisor’s heavy operator support—269 hours of initial training and a 100 training/support score (top 10% and top quarter, respectively)—shortens the learning curve, but the biggest risk is a steep maximum franchise fee of $500,000, well above typical Food & Beverage peers.
Pros
Cons
Lawsuits & Legal Risk
The Facts: Plaintiffs alleged deceptive advertising about the "Triple Double Burger" in a class action resolved in 2023 by a $2.5M settlement (alternatively vouchers); the case was dismissed upon certified payment and the settlement did not require admission of liability. The Advice: Review the franchisor's advertising controls, pre-approval process, training and product representations in the FDD, indemnity and insurance obligations, and request copies of marketing guidelines and any post-settlement policy changes.
Territory Protection
Grants a protected operating area where franchisor will not place other units. The franchisor retains rights to develop nearby units, sell via e-commerce and alternative distribution channels within the market, and to acquire or convert locations; protection is contingent on meeting performance quotas and impacts market density and site-specific rights.
Training & Support
The brand provides an extensive 269-hour training curriculum designed to prepare four individuals included in the initial franchise fee for launch. The program includes on-site launch assistance for operational readiness; franchisees are responsible for travel and living expenses, and additional fees apply for on-site support.
How Much Does It Cost to Open a Smashburger Franchise?
Opening a Smashburger franchise requires a total initial investment of $40,000 to $500,000, according to the 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document. This range covers the franchise fee, real estate, equipment, training, and initial working capital needed to launch and operate through the early months.
Minimum Investment
Maximum Investment
Minimum Investment Breakdown
Maximum Investment Breakdown
Investment Analysis
This investment analysis is coming soon. Have ideas for other analyses you'd like us to add? Get in touch.
The initial investment amounts shown are estimates only. Actual costs may vary based on location size, business model, and multi-unit ownership arrangements. We recommend reviewing the full Franchise Disclosure Document for complete details.
Smashburger Franchise Earnings: Not Disclosed
Smashburger did not disclose financial performance data (Item 19) in their 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document. Not all franchisors choose to publish this information, which can make it harder for prospective owners to evaluate expected revenue before investing.
This franchise company did not publish these results.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to open a Smashburger franchise?
The total initial investment for a Smashburger franchise ranges from $40,000 to $500,000, according to the 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document. This includes the franchise fee, real estate, equipment, training, and working capital.
What is the Smashburger initial franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee for Smashburger is $40,000, as stated in the 2024 FDD. This fee is paid upon signing the Franchise Agreement.
Does Smashburger disclose franchise revenue data?
Smashburger did not disclose financial performance data (Item 19) in their 2024 FDD. Not all franchisors choose to publish this information.
Does Smashburger have any franchise lawsuits or legal issues?
Smashburger received a legal risk score of 80 out of 100 in the 2024 FDD analysis. The Facts: Plaintiffs alleged deceptive advertising about the "Triple Double Burger" in a class action resolved in 2023 by a $2.5M settlement (alternatively vouchers); the case was dismissed upon certified payment and the settlement did not require admission of liability.
Does Smashburger offer exclusive franchise territories?
Smashburger received a territory protection score of 45 out of 100. Grants a protected operating area where franchisor will not place other units.
What training does Smashburger provide to new franchisees?
Smashburger received a training and support score of 100 out of 100. The brand provides an extensive 269-hour training curriculum designed to prepare four individuals included in the initial franchise fee for launch.
How many Smashburger franchise locations are there?
Smashburger had 210 total locations as of the 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document.
What type of business is Smashburger?
Smashburger is a casual restaurant franchise featuring a menu of gourmet burgers, sandwiches, salads, shakes, floats, and other beverages.
Interested in Smashburger?
Get more information and connect with the franchise directly.