News

Smashburger ranked America's Most Promising Company

November 30, 2011

Smashburger has been ranked No. 1 on Forbes' inaugural America’s Most Promising Companies list. The list features 100 privately held up-and-comers with compelling business models, strong management teams, notable customers, strategic partners and precious investment capital.

“Sizing up younger, privately held companies is hard: Their fortunes can change very quickly and there’s a dearth of public data,” said Forbes executive editor Brett Nelson. “We took a more comprehensive approach to evaluate their health and potential.”

There are 143 Smashburger locations nationwide and the company is on track to reach the 500 unit milestone within the next few years through partnerships with multi-unit franchisees as well as corporate store growth. The company also recently announced its plans to expand into the Middle East and Canada through a combination of franchise partnerships and corporate locations.

"This is a humbling and proud day here at Smashburger, and we could not have succeeded without the tremendous loyalty of our customers, the support of our franchise partners and the commitment of our incredible team," said Dave Prokupek, chairman and CEO of Smashburger. "We look forward to the next chapter and continued opportunity to grow our brand."

Also making the list at No. 69 is Market Force, a company specializing in customer-service surveys and mystery shopping services. Click here to read several blogs by Market ForceCMO and SVP of Strategy, Janet Eden-Harris.

To sharpen its search, Forbes teamed up with CB Insights, a Manhattan-based data firm that tracks investment in high-growth private companies.

Read more about franchising and growth.