Operations

Chef Rick Bayless creates LTO for Smashburger

Chef Rick Bayless is behind Smashburger's latest LTO, the Chorizo Cheeseburger. Provided.

November 30, 2021

Chef Rick Bayless is behind Smashburger's latest limited-time offer — the Chorizo Cheeseburger.

"Some of my favorite things in life involve melted cheese and chorizo sausage, so bringing those bold flavors to a juicy burger was a natural progression," Bayless said in a company press release. "Add Smashburger's top-quality, fresh ingredients and this Chorizo Cheeseburger goes over the top."

Bayless, a restaurateur and winner of Bravo TV's "Top Chef Masters," created the Mexican-inspired burger in hopes of encouraging Smashburger customers to donate to the Frontera Farmer Foundation — his nonprofit organization that supports small sustainable farmers in the Midwest. With a goal of raising $75,000 to provide organic sustainable farmers with capital development grants, Smashburger will match each guest donation made during checkout.

"Smashburger is thrilled to partner with one of the best chefs in the country who shares our passion for the culinary innovation process, while giving back to small community farmers," Smashburger President Carl Bachmann said in the release. "We love experimenting with unique flavor and taste profiles that complement our premium ingredients, so taking inspiration from Rick's expertise in Mexican cuisine seemed like a natural fit for our brand. Crafted with authentic cultural flavors, the Chorizo Cheeseburger by Chef Rick Bayless provides our guests with an elevated burger experience that you won't find anywhere else."

The Chorizo Cheeseburger, which is available now through Feb. 15, 2022, is made with Certified Angus Beef and topped with V&V Supremo's spicy all-natural Mexican-style pork chorizo. It's layered with melted cheddar cheese, house-made jalapeño pico de gallo, lettuce and mayo and is sandwiched between a toasted spicy chipotle bun.

Founded in 2007 in Denver, Smashburger has 236 corporate and franchise restaurants operating in 36 states and eight countries.