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Top 100: People – Tom Ryan, Smashburger/Live Basil

Tom Ryan the creative mind behind Smashburger and Live Basil, is number 23 on our list of the 2014 Fast Casual Top 100 Movers & Shakers: People.

September 12, 2014

Tom Ryan the creative mind behind Smashburger and Live Basil, is number 23 on our list of the 2014 Fast Casual Top 100 Movers & Shakers: People.

If you are looking for an industry expert, Scott Crane could definitely be your guy! Throughout his career, the newly appointed Smashburger CEO worked for popular chains, including Olive Garden, Houlihan's and Lone Star Steakhouse, before becoming the EVP of operations for Fugate Enterprises. There, he oversaw hundreds of franchised restaurants, including Wing Street, Pizza Hut, Sonic and Taco Bell.

Before being named Smashburger CEO in November 2013, he spent the previous six years as the brand's president. He is credited with helping it grow from two units to more than 250 worldwide. Plans now are to grow to 400.

"Smashburger has seen great success in rekindling Americans' love affair with burgers across the 30 states we operate, so we are excited to partner with a new group of industry experts to bring our one-of-a kind experience to new guests and help us continue executing on our steady growth path," Crane said.