Is Smashburger right for you?
Established Brand
Founded in 2008 and now operating 172 locations systemwide as of 2025.
Proven Menu
Signature smashed burgers and chicken sandwiches drive a focused QSR menu.
Corporate Backing
Owned by Jollibee Foods Corporation, providing global restaurant expertise.
About Smashburger
Smashburger is a fast-casual restaurant concept founded in 2008 and headquartered in Denver, Colorado. The brand specializes in made-to-order smashed burgers, chicken sandwiches, salads, shakes, and beverages. Smashburger Franchising LLC is a subsidiary of Smashburger Finance LLC, which is ultimately owned by Jollibee Foods Corporation.
Franchisees operate quick-service restaurants that prepare food to order in an open kitchen format. Core operations center on a limited menu built around proprietary smashing technique for burgers, fresh ingredients, and signature sauces. Units typically feature both dine-in and drive-thru service in inline, end-cap, or freestanding locations.
Smashburger Finance LLC is the direct parent of Smashburger Franchising LLC and is wholly-owned through a chain of entities by Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC), a Philippines-based company.
The business model
How a Smashburger territory actually makes money at the unit level.
Initial Franchise Fee
A $40,000 initial franchise fee is charged per restaurant. Area development agreements require $20,000 per unit committed, typically ranging from $40,000 to $500,000.
Ongoing Fees
Royalty fee is 5.5 percent of gross sales. Marketing fund contribution is currently 2.25 percent of gross sales, subject to increase up to 4 percent with an overall marketing cap of 5 percent.
Investment Range
Total initial investment per restaurant ranges from $1,239,500 to $2,255,500. This includes leasehold improvements, furniture, fixtures, equipment, signage, technology, inventory, training, and three months of working capital.
Supply Chain Requirements
Franchisees must purchase 95 to 100 percent of initial assets and ongoing needs from approved or designated suppliers. The franchisor and affiliates participate in vendor rebate programs.
Territory Structure
Single-unit agreements offer no exclusive territory. Multi-unit development agreements may provide a defined development area with scheduled opening requirements and penalties for delays.
Unit Economics
No financial performance representations are made. Systemwide franchised units declined from 78 at the end of 2023 to 53 at the end of 2025.
Quick facts
Initial franchise fee
$40,000
Total investment range
$1,239,500 to $2,255,500
Royalty
5.50% of gross revenue
Marketing fund
2.25% of gross revenue
Founded
2008
Headquarters
Denver, CO
Active US franchisees
53
Total US units
107
Training & support
What the franchisor + parent platform provide. And what they don't.
What's provided
- +At least six weeks of initial training for up to four people including the franchisee, operating partner, and designated manager.
- +Training is conducted at a franchisor-designated location and may be delivered in-person or virtually.
- +For the first two restaurants, a training team provides grand opening support at no additional cost.
- +For the third and subsequent restaurants, a lead trainer provides guidance with the franchisee reimbursing associated costs.
- +Ongoing operational support includes standards, vendor guidance, marketing assistance, and periodic pricing direction.
Honest disclosure: what's NOT provided
The franchisor does not disclose a fixed number of classroom or on-the-job training hours. Training location and format may vary at the franchisor's discretion.
Multi-unit growth path
Multi-unit development agreements are available and require a per-unit development fee. Operators must adhere to a predefined development schedule with financial penalties for delays. Existing franchisees may add units after the first two at additional training reimbursement cost to the operator. Systemwide franchised unit count has declined in recent years.
Capital + financing paths
Most operators use one of these four paths to fund the initial investment.
SBA Loan Programs
Many franchisees utilize SBA 7(a) or 504 loans for a portion of the initial investment. Lenders typically require franchisee equity of 20 to 30 percent.
Equipment Financing
Furniture, fixtures, equipment, and technology packages can often be financed separately through specialty lenders.
Traditional Bank Debt
Regional banks and credit unions may finance qualified operators based on personal credit, liquidity, and experience.
Developer Incentives
Landlords in targeted markets may offer tenant improvement allowances or rent abatements that reduce out-of-pocket capital.
Process timeline: inquiry → grand opening
Typical 12-16 week path from first call to launching your first customer route.
Discovery & Application
Review the filed disclosures, submit application, and complete initial qualification process.
Validation
Speak with existing franchisees and visit operating locations.
Franchise Agreement
Sign franchise agreement or multi-unit development agreement and pay initial fee.
Site Selection
Identify and secure real estate; submit lease for franchisor review and approval.
Build-Out & Permitting
Complete construction, install equipment, and obtain all licenses including liquor license where applicable.
Training
Complete six-week training program for key personnel.
Grand Opening
Launch restaurant with franchisor support team on-site for first two units.
Match assessment
Are you a Smashburger match?
12 questions. Math-first. No high-pressure sales call afterwards. Just your match assessment and the reasoning behind it.
Start nowCommon questions
How much does a Smashburger franchise cost?
Total initial investment per restaurant ranges from $1,239,500 to $2,255,500 according to the the filed disclosures. This includes a $40,000 franchise fee, build-out, equipment, inventory, and three months of working capital.
What are the royalty and marketing fees for Smashburger?
The royalty fee is 5.5 percent of gross sales. The marketing fund contribution is currently 2.25 percent of gross sales and may increase up to 4 percent, subject to an overall 5 percent marketing cap.
Does Smashburger provide financial performance representations?
No. The franchisor does not make any representations about future or historical financial performance of franchised or company-owned outlets.
How many Smashburger locations are there?
As of the end of 2025 there were 172 total systemwide outlets, of which 53 were franchised and 119 were company-owned.
Is territory exclusivity offered?
Single-unit franchise agreements provide no exclusive territory. Multi-unit development agreements may grant a defined development area with required opening schedules.
What training does Smashburger provide?
The franchisor provides at least six weeks of initial training for up to four people. Grand opening support is included at no extra cost for the first two restaurants.
How has the number of Smashburger franchises changed recently?
Franchised units declined from 78 at year-end 2023 to 65 at year-end 2024 and 53 at year-end 2025. Net changes were negative each year.
Who owns Smashburger?
Smashburger Finance LLC is the direct parent and is ultimately owned by Jollibee Foods Corporation, a Philippines-based global restaurant operator.
Are franchisees required to buy from approved suppliers?
Yes. Franchisees must purchase 95 to 100 percent of initial and ongoing requirements from approved or designated suppliers.
Can I open multiple Smashburger locations?
Yes, through a multi-unit development agreement. Development schedules and per-unit fees apply, and additional training costs are incurred beyond the first two units.
Does Smashburger offer any financing?
The franchisor does not offer direct financing. Franchisees typically secure capital through SBA loans, bank debt, equipment financing, or landlord incentives.
What is the Smashburger franchise failure rate?
The the filed disclosures reports 14 closures or cessations in 2024 and 11 in 2025 among franchised units. The franchisor does not disclose average unit-level financial outcomes.
Brand logos displayed for identification purposes only. Hot N Fresh is not affiliated with the brands listed unless explicitly stated.