News

Canada's Big Smoke Burger expands into the U.S.

April 30, 2012

Big Smoke Burger, the Toronto-based gourmet burger chain, has hired Fransmart to ramp up expansion in North America and in select global markets. Fransmart is the franchise development company behind Five Guys Burgers & Fries, Qdoba Mexican Grill and zpizza, and has already inked Big Smoke Burger’s first U.S. franchise deal in Manhattan.

New Big Smoke Burger franchisee Anthony Fauci of Innovative Hospitality Concepts (IHC) has signed a deal to open the first New York City Big Smoke Burger location. IHC hopes to open an eventual 50 Big Smoke Burger restaurants in the New York and Chicago area.

In addition to the Manhattan unit, Big Smoke also is expanding through a deal with HMS Host, which has chosen to include Big Smoke in its lineup of two travel plaza units due to open this year.

“Our concept is ready for growth. We’ve taken the time to perfect our model in a highly competitive market like Toronto, and New York City is the perfect market to break into the United States. New Yorkers have many burger choices, and we are confident Big Smoke Burger will rise to the front of the pack with our delicious, handcrafted gourmet menu that is set at an affordable price point," said Mustafa Yusuf, CEO of Big Smoke Burger.