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Smashburger plants flag in Panama

April 29, 2013

Smashburger and QSR International LDC, a multibrand developer, today announced a new partnership agreement with Diqueos Tagaropulos and his company, Inversiones Platinum Brands S.A., to build five new Smashburger restaurants in the Republic of Panama within the next six years.

This agreement will continue the market growth for Smashburger in Central America and represents the second territory in the region, with locations in Costa Rica in Moravia, San Jose, and the Juan Santamaria International Airport scheduled to open this spring.

Inversiones currently operates Wing Zone, a U.S.-based chicken wing fast casual concept. The company opened Wing Zone's first international location in Panama in 2010 and now operates five restaurant locations in the region. Smashburger is the second restaurant concept for the company.

"We are pleased with the progress of Smashburger's international expansion, with Panama representing our fifth international country, and are fortunate to work with leading franchise partners to develop and grow our global presence," said Dave Prokupek, chairman and CEO of Smashburger. "It is an honor to welcome Inversiones Platinum Brands to the Smashburger family and to help them build the leading better burger brand in Central America."

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