Smashburger Touches down in Toronto Through New Franchise Agreement

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Jul 11, 2016, 10:00 ET

Better Burger Concept Continues Non-Traditional Growth with New Airport and University Franchise Deals

DENVER, July 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Smashburger, the rapidly expanding better burger restaurant known for its fresh, smashed to order burgers, celebrates its expansion into the Toronto market through a new agreement with franchise operator HMS Host, which opened its first restaurant in Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) on July 9. The brand also continues its non-traditional expansion in the United States, with the announcement of a new agreement with franchise operator University of Notre Dame DuLac, which will bring a restaurant to Notre Dame University in Fall 2016. These openings represent the brand's continuous growth in non-traditional locations to deliver a burger experience that exceeds expectations to burger-lovers around the world.

The Toronto Pearson restaurant, Smashburger's fourth international airport location, occupies 881 square feet in the new terminal three food court and signifies the brand's priority to expand its footprint in Canada. The menu will feature full breakfast and lunch options as well as local food staple poutine. With over 40 million annual travelers, the new restaurant will serve Canada's busiest airport and Air Canada's largest hub.

"Smashburger's fresh and made to order burgers will be a fantastic new addition to Toronto Pearson's food and beverage options," says Michael Ross, Director of Commercial Development at Toronto Pearson Airport. "Our objective is to offer passengers more choice, fast service and a high-quality experience. We're very proud to attract innovative brands like Smashburger and we're certain that passengers will be delighted with their tasty burgers!"

"We are excited to expand Smashburger's footprint in Canada to Toronto Pearson International Airport," says Smashburger President & CEO Mike Nolan. "We continuously evaluate our restaurants and operations to determine new places to provide our well-known better burger concept to consumers. We felt that this non-traditional location is well-suited to deliver the highest quality, future-forward burger experience."

The brand is also actively seeking experienced franchise operators to expand Smashburger in the Toronto market and throughout Canada. Interested parties can learn more at www.smashburgerfranchise.ca.

Additionally, Smashburger has signed a new agreement with franchise operator University of Notre Dame DuLac, to bring a restaurant to the Notre Dame University LaFortune Student Center, consistently ranked as one of the top U.S. universities for campus dining, in Fall 2016. The new restaurant will be housed in a previous Burger King location on the main level of LaFortune Student Center. The space will undergo a full remodel to almost double the available square footage for a larger kitchen.

"At Notre Dame University, we look for brands who have a proven track record of providing the highest quality food and services," says Jim Labella, LaFortune Student Center Operations Manager. "We believe Smashburger is the perfect better burger concept to fulfill this priority and expectation for great tasting food. We are looking forward to bringing their popular, upscale burger option to our students and faculty."

Smashburger currently operates in 3 casinos, 11 airport locations and 1 college campus with several additional locations coming soon. For more information about franchising opportunities in Canada, please visit www.smashburgerfranchise.ca. For United States franchising opportunities, visit www.smashburger.com/franchising.

For more information on Smashburger, please visit www.smashburger.com or check us out on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

About Smashburger
Smashburger is a leading fast casual "better burger" restaurant known for its fresh never frozen, 100% Certified Angus Beef® burgers that are smashed on the grill to sear in the juices, creating an upscale quality burger packed with flavor and served at a great value. In addition to burgers, Smashburger offers grilled or crispy chicken sandwiches, fresh salads, signature side items such as Haystack onions and Veggie Frites, and hand-spun Haagen-Dazs® shakes. On each market menu, Smashburger offers locally inspired items like the regional burger, as well as regional sides and local craft beer. Smashburger began in 2007 with the vision of Rick Schaden and funding by Consumer Capital Partners—the private equity firm that Rick and his father Richard own. There are currently over 365 corporate and franchise restaurants operating in 35 states and eight countries. To learn more, visit www.smashburger.com

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