Smashburger Lights Up The Grill On First Two Locations In Orange County In Fall 2012

Orange County to Feast On a “Better Burger” In Mission Viejo and Aliso Viejo

Orange County, CA  (RestaurantNews.com)  Smashburger, the nation’s fastest growing “better burger” restaurant is bringing its fresh and flavorful approach to Orange County residents when it opens its first two locations on November 20, 2012 at 555 The Shops at Mission Viejo, (in the food court at the Shops at Mission Viejo), and on December 5, 2012 at 26541 Aliso Creek Rd. (next to Trader Joe’s).

Smashburger brings its juicy burgers that are smashed fresh and served delicious, along with its Haagen-Dazs ® shakes, tempting sides and regional menu items crafted to please locals’ palates to Orange County residents for the first time next month. These two locations mark the first of at least 20 Orange County Smashburger locations slated to open over the next five years.

Every Orange County Smashburger restaurant features a regional menu created with local flavors and tastes in mind. The Aliso Viejo menu includes:

• The OC Smashburger: 100-percent Angus Beef burger topped with grilled sautéed mushrooms, grilled onions, baby arugula, aged Swiss cheese and truffle mayo on an egg bun.
• The L.A. Smashburger: 100-percent Angus Beef burger topped with crispy wontons, fried egg, cilantro, cucumber, lettuce, tomato and Japanese steakhouse ginger dressing on a black and white sesame seed bun.

“Our Smashburger team is committed to exploring what consumers enjoy eating and then bringing those tastes and flavors to our menu in an innovative way,” says Tom Ryan, Founder and Chief Concept Officer of Smashburger. “Guests are eager to have their own unique regional burgers and we look forward to bringing these specialty items to Orange County.”

At Smashburger, the secret is in the smash.  It starts with 100-percent—fresh, never frozen, Angus Beef and is smashed on a 400-degree flat grill to sear in the juicy flavor. To further the “better burger” experience, the delicious burgers are served on a toasted artisan bun and topped with a selection of the freshest produce, real cheeses, and highest-quality condiments.

Smashburger’s signature recipes and create your own burgers are smashed fresh, served delicious every time. But Smashburger is more than just burgers. Customers can also enjoy a selection of tender marinated grilled or crispy chicken sandwiches, grilled and split hot dogs, and fresh tossed signature salads, along with a variety of irresistible sides including rosemary and garlic–seasoned Smashfries, fried pickles, Haystack Onions, and Veggie Frites (carrot sticks and green beans). The restaurant will also serve a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages including local beers, wine, and hand-spun Häagen-Dazs® shakes.

“It is always thrilling when we add another Smashburger location to our growing family,” says David Prokupek, Chairman & CEO of Smashburger. “With decades in the restaurant industry, Ernie Sandoval is a great partner to introduce Smashburger to Orange County and we look forward to working with him.”

“The time has arrived to introduce Orange County to a truly better burger taste and experience,” says Stephen Sandoval, Vice President of Quality Control for Smashburger in Orange County. “Smashburger’s quality food, great service and friendly atmosphere are what set this restaurant apart and we know Orange County residents will love it.”

About Smashburger

Smashburger, the country’s fastest growing, fast casual “better burger” restaurant, is a fresh approach to burgers and restaurants as a whole.  Its hand-crafted burgers are made with fresh, never frozen, 100% Angus Beef, that are “smashed”, seared and seasoned on the grill to juicy perfection for every individual order.  Guests can create their own burger masterpiece or enjoy one Smashburger’s innovative signature recipes– including a unique burger for every local market that highlights the distinctive flavors of that region. Smashburger also serves tender marinated grilled or crispy chicken sandwiches, grilled and split hot dogs, freshly prepared salads, handspun Häagen-Daz® shakes and an array of signature sides. Developed and owned by private equity firm Consumer Capital Partners (CCP), Smashburger operates and develops both corporate and multi-unit franchise territories across the country with 175 restaurants nationwide. With the commitment from its franchise partners to build 463 units, Smashburger is on target to have 500 plus stores in the next few years. Smashburger was also named to the 2011 Inc. 500 list and is the recipient of the International Council of Shopping Centers 2011 Hot Retailer Award. To learn more, visit www.smashburger.com.

About Consumer Capital Partners

Denver-based Consumer Capital Partners (CCP) is an innovative private investment and concept development firm focused on multi-unit retail businesses, primarily in the restaurant industry. CCP has deep experience in the fields of private equity, brand, concept and product development and strategic consulting. To learn more about CCP, please visit www.consumercp.com.