UPDATE: Since I posted this, Smashburger has removed its Milwaukee listing from its Facebook. But, Abby Lurie, a public relations consultant for the company, says that Milwaukee is still in the chain's plans. She wrote this today in an e-mail, "Sorry for all the confusion, but Smashburger’s Milwaukee store is slated to open in fall 2010. "
Ahh, the things you learn on Facebook.
I haven't received a response from the company yet, but according to Smashburger's Facebook page the burger franchise is "coming Spring 2010" to Milwaukee.
Smashburger is a Denver-based fast-casual restaurant franchise that specializes, of course, in burgers. Its owned by private equity firm Consumer Capital Partners (CCP), founded by Quiznos executive Rick Schaden.
According to the Denver Business Journal, "the chain (that just just week signed a franchise deal in Las Vegas) says it now has franchise deals to eventually open 220 restaurants. The company Web site lists 27 outlets currently in operation: 12 in Colorado, six in Texas, three in Minnesota, two each in Kansas and Utah, and one each in Idaho and Oklahoma."
Smashburger's menu offers 100% Angus burgers that are, when grilled, smashed on the grill. The chain also does sandwiches, hot dogs and sides like onion straws and fries. Prices range from $4.99 for the classic 1/3 pound Smashburger, up to $6.99 for the half-pound barbecue, bacon and cheese Smashburger.
More details when the company gets back to me. According to multiple sources, Smashburger has said it plans to have 500 restaurants over the next several years, both company-owned and franchises.
A life-long and passionate community leader and Milwaukeean, Jeff Sherman is a co-founder of OnMilwaukee.
He grew up in Wauwatosa and graduated from Marquette University, as a Warrior. He holds an MBA from Cardinal Stritch University, and is the founding president of Young Professionals of Milwaukee (YPM)/Fuel Milwaukee.
Early in his career, Sherman was one of youngest members of the Greater Milwaukee Committee, and currently is involved in numerous civic and community groups - including board positions at The Wisconsin Center District, Wisconsin Club and Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. He's honored to have been named to The Business Journal's "30 under 30" and Milwaukee Magazine's "35 under 35" lists.
He owns a condo in Downtown and lives in greater Milwaukee with his wife Stephanie, his son, Jake, and daughter Pierce. He's a political, music, sports and news junkie and thinks, for what it's worth, that all new movies should be released in theaters, on demand, online and on DVD simultaneously.
He also thinks you should read OnMilwaukee each and every day.
