Smashburger News & Media

Smashburger promotes Jim Sullivan to CEO

August 5, 2025

Denver-born Smashburger has promoted Jim Sullivan to chief executive officer. Sullivan, who has served as president since February, will lead the company's…

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3 ways to keep customers ordering your 'not-so-cheap' eats

by CJ Gaffney — VP Brand Strategy, Partners + Napier

A few Fridays ago, I found myself in the Wendy's drive-thru with three boys in the backseat and a trunk full of baseball gear. The sun was setting, nerves were…

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Smashburger revamps menu, branding

September 24, 2024

Smashburger is transforming its menu and visual identity, drawing inspiration from burgers crafted from its proprietary smashing technique, fries and bold…

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Smashburger hires former Qdoba exec as CDO

September 13, 2024

Denver-based Smashburger has hired Jim Sullivan as chief development officer to oversee market planning, site selection and franchise sales with a focus on…

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Fast Casual reveals 2024 food tour stops

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Attendees will visit three fast casuals, where they'll taste food and chat with leadership.

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Former Starbucks executive joins Smashburger as CMO

June 18, 2024

Denver-based Smashburger has hired former Starbucks Thomas Prather as CMO.

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Smashburger franchisee adds to portfolio

April 15, 2024

Smashburger has signed an agreement with existing franchisee Sachi Foods, owned by Farhana Ali, to add two Salt Lake City-based restaurants to its portfolio of…

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Smashburger appoints former Starbucks exec as CEO

March 21, 2024

Smashburger, owned by Jollibee Group, has tapped Denise Nelsen as CEO, the company's first female CEO. "We are thrilled to welcome Denise Nelsen as…

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Shipley Do-nuts names CFO, VP of Operations

November 8, 2023

Houston-based Shipley Do-Nuts has hire a CFO and VP of Operations to fuel expansion plans. Brad Reynolds, who previously served as the CFO at Blaze Pizza and…

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Smashburger leans into AI for digital ordering

November 7, 2023

After testing AI-driven dynamic-order throttling from Curtbit in 60 locations, Denver-based Smashburger rolled out the software last month to 129 locations…

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Smashburger, Woworks, Craveworthy leaders revealing menu optimization tips

October 5, 2023

Optimizing menus across channels is one of the most important tools restaurants have when it comes to increasing customer satisfaction. Happy customers equal…

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BurgerFi CEO becomes investor

July 13, 2023

On Carl J. Bachmann's first day as CEO of BurgerFi International Inc., the owner of BurgerFi and Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza & Wings, also became one of the…

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Can a restaurant have 'too much tech?'

June 19, 2023

Restaurants of all sizes have spent the past few years investing in a variety of technologies to help them understand the health of their brands, gain…

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Smashburger makes Utah expansion plans

June 15, 2023

Smashburger has inked an agreement to expand its footprint in Utah, bringing five locations to Salt Lake City. Leading the expansion is multi-unit franchisee…

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Smashburger names interim president

June 8, 2023

Smashburger has named Jose Miñana Jr. as its interim president. Minana will replace Carl Bachmann upon his departure from the company on June 30, according to…

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BurgerFi hires former Smashburger president as CEO

May 30, 2023

BurgerFi International Inc., which owns BurgerFi and Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza & Wings, has hired Carl J. Bachmann, Smashburger's former president, as CEO.

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Smashburger debuting virtual drive-thru

March 31, 2023

Smashburger has opened a virtual drive-thru at a corporate-owned restaurant in Houston.

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Smashburger rolls out mac 'n' cheese-inspired burger

February 17, 2023

Smashburger is supplying comfort nationwide with its take on America's two favorite foods: burgers and mac 'n' cheese. The S'mac & Cheese Burger — made…

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Smashburger, Broncos running back tackling wings

December 5, 2022

Colorado-based Smashburger is teaming up with Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams to promote its latest menu extension — wings. In honor of his jersey…

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Chick N Max: From Perfect Pitch winners to up-and-coming franchisor

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Coming out of COVID-19 in 2021, Chick N Max sales grew 30% over 2020, generating two-year sales comps over 40%. In 2022, sales and transaction growth continue…

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