Who owns Smashburger?

They spent six months developing an efficient and fast kitchen "engine," designing the kitchen to have modular surfaces with a central griddle that houses a refrigerated area underneath where the meatballs are stored. This design has since been used in all Smashburger restaurants.

The chain serves "smashed" burgers using a specialized process of cooking them on a flat top grill at high heat. This method sears the burger for flavor. Customers can then top the burgers with additional ingredients that can be customized. Smashburger rejects the idea of charbroilers or barbecue grills.

The menu also includes chicken, turkey, and portobello sandwiches, as well as french fries, sweet potato fries, and fried pickles. Some locations offer Udi's gluten-free buns. Restaurants are designed with a social feel in mind and a tailored music track built around the "Smash, sizzle, and savor" theme.

The restaurant grew rapidly after its first location opened in 2007. Several hundred locations were added within the first few years. The company leaders considered an initial public offering, but Philippine-based quick service operator Jollibee Foods Corporation bought a 40% stake in the company in 2015.

In 2016, the reported annual revenue for Smashburger was $338.3 million. They have approximately 1,100 employees. By 2018, Jollibee acquired 100% of Smashburger.