Smashburger Announces Grand Opening of First International Restaurant in Kuwait

Better Burger Chain Celebrates Grand Opening with Debut of Locally-Inspired Kuwait Burger 

DENVER - Tuesday, April 3rd 2012 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Smashburger, the rapidly expanding better burger restaurant, today announced the opening of its first international restaurant location in Kuwait. This restaurant, located at The Village, Abu Al Hasaniya, is the first of 23 franchise locations planned for the area by regional franchise partner, Georgetown Advisors, an independent, Kuwaiti-owned boutique commercial development firm specializing in culinary concepts. This opening represents Smashburger’s first international location, which will be followed by new restaurant openings in Canada and Latin America later this year.
To celebrate the Grand Opening, Smashburger will unveil its locally-inspired Kuwait burger to new SmashFans in the Middle East, something it does in each new market it enters in order to appeal to local taste profiles. This smashed fresh, made-to-order, 100 percent Certified Halal Angus Beef local burger is topped with hot pepper cheese, hawaij grilled jalapenos, labneh, baby spinach, tomato and cucumber on a spicy chipotle bun. Local guests may also enjoy Smashburger’s Kuwait Fries, a side of shoe string cut russet potatoes seasoned with hawaij spices and cilantro.
"We are very proud to announce the opening of our first international location in Kuwait as it represents an important milestone for the brand, demonstrating that there is a true global demand for what Smashburger offers: premium products in a convenient setting at an attractive price point," said Dave Prokupek, chairman and CEO of Smashburger. "We’re also very excited to unveil our Kuwait Burger, which we believe provides a nice blend of local ingredients with what Smashburger is known for, our premium smashed fresh, served delicious burgers and our tender marinated grilled and crispy chicken sandwiches.”
Franchise owner Yousef Al Essa commented: "We are proud to have our first location open and are looking forward to growing the Smashburger brand with additional openings in Kuwait and the rest of the Gulf over the coming few years."
Khalid Hajjar, the CEO of Georgetown Advisors in Kuwait added: "We are delighted and privileged to be the first international franchise group to debut Smashburger outside the United States. We believe in, and will follow, Smashburger’s guiding principles for quality, service and innovation, and we are confident the concept will be well received by consumers in our region.”
Smashburger is a U.S. based restaurant brand that offers a variety of customized recipes featuring nationwide favorites, regionally inspired burgers and sides, and a ‘create your own’ model making for a truly enjoyable customized guest experience. Each Smashburger starts with fresh, never frozen 100 percent Certified Halal Angus Beef that is smashed on a 400-degree flat grill to sear in the juicy flavor. To further the “better burger” experience, the juicy burger is served on a toasted artisan bun and topped with a selection of the freshest produce, real cheeses, and highest-quality condiments. 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 (flash-fried and seasoned asparagus spears, carrot sticks and green beans). The restaurant also serves a selection of beverages and hand-spun Häagen-Dazs® shakes.
About Smashburger
Smashburger is AMERICA’S fastest growing, fast casual “better burger” restaurant. Its hand-crafted, award winning burgers are made with fresh, never frozen, 100% Certified Angus Beef, that are “smashed”, seared and seasoned on the grill to juicy perfection for every individual order. Smashburger also serves tender marinated grilled or crispy chicken sandwiches, black bean veggie burger, grilled and split hot dogs, freshly prepared entrée salads, kids’ meals, and an array of signature sides along with a selection of beverages and handspun Häagen-Dazs shakes. 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 150 restaurants in 25 states nationwide and one location in Kuwait. Smashburger topped Forbes America’s Most Promising Company list in 2011 and was also named to the 2011 Inc. 500 list. It is the recipient of the International Council of Shopping Centers 2011 Hot Retailer Award. To learn more, visit www.smashburger.com.

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