DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Smashburger, the rapidly expanding better burger concept, today announced it has posted three year sales growth of 254% on the 32nd annual Inc. 500|5000 list. Smashburger ranked number 1,562, marking its third consecutive year on the list. The Inc. 500|5000 is an exclusive ranking of the nation's fastest-growing private companies and represents the most comprehensive look at the most important segment of the economy—America’s independent entrepreneurs.
Smashburger is a fast growing player in the fast casual sector of the restaurant industry, with more than 220 restaurants located around the world. The company expects to open 50 to 60 new locations over the course of 2013, ending the year with approximately 250 restaurants systemwide. The company is focused on growing the Smashburger brand through both corporate and franchised locations, and is currently seeking expansion opportunities in Canada, the United Kingdom, South America, Latin America, Southeast Asia and the Middle East, as well as throughout the top 20 DMAs in the United States.
“The growth that we experienced in 2012 has continued into 2013 as we see a growing demand for a premium dining experience that emphasizes fresh ingredients and innovative recipes,” commented Dave Prokupek, chairman and CEO of Smashburger. “At only six years old as a brand, it is an accomplishment for our entire organization to be recognized by Inc. for the third year in a row. Our focus remains on growing the Smashburger brand presence in new and existing markets worldwide and we look forward to another successful year of growth.”
Complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found at www.inc.com/5000.
More about Inc. and the Inc. 500|5000
Methodology
The 2013 Inc. 500|5000 is ranked according to percentage revenue growth when comparing 2009 to 2012. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2009. They had to be U.S.-based, privately held, for profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of December 31, 2012. (Since then, a number of companies on the list have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2009 is $100,000; the minimum for 2012 is $2 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons. Companies on the Inc. 500 are featured in Inc.’s September issue. They represent the top tier of the Inc. 5000, which can be found at www.inc.com/500.
About Smashburger
Smashburger is America’s fastest growing, fast casual “better burger” restaurant with more than 220 corporate and franchise restaurants operating in 29 states and in four international countries. The company began in 2007 with the vision of Rick Schaden and funding by Consumer Capital Partners—the private equity firm that he and his father Richard own. By offering fresh, premium “smashed to order” burgers, chicken sandwiches, salads, signature side items and hand-spun Häagen-Dazs shakes, Smashburger has modernized the way people think about burgers. Known for localizing its menu in every market with regionally inspired burgers, side items and local craft beers, Smashburger has received numerous awards, including topping Fast Casual’s 2012 Top Mover & Shakers list, America’s Most Promising Company by Forbes magazine, INC. 500’s List of America’s Fastest Growing Companies and INC’s #9 Hire Power Award winner, as well as regularly receiving “best burger” awards in cities around the world. To learn more, visit www.smashburger.com.
About Consumer Capital Partners
Consumer Capital Partners is an innovative investment and operating company, focused on starting up, operating and investing in consumer, franchising and lifestyle brands. Consumer Capital Partners also engages in modern channels of giving across a broad spectrum of contemporary causes. To learn more about CCP, please visit www.consumercp.com.
About Inc.
Founded in 1979 and acquired in 2005 by Mansueto Ventures, Inc. is the only major brand dedicated exclusively to owners and managers of growing private companies, with the aim to deliver real solutions for today’s innovative company builders. Total monthly audience reach for the brand has grown significantly from 2,000,000 in 2010 to over 6,000,000 today. For more information, visit www.inc.com.
