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Smashburger

Smashburger Franchise Cost & Facts · Food & Beverage

A Smashburger franchise costs $1.2M – $2.3M in total initial investment, with an initial franchise fee of $42K – $72K, across 65 locations. See the full Smashburger fees, royalty, and Franchise Disclosure Document below.

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Food & BeverageFounded 2008· 18 yrs65 unitssmashburger.com
Smashburger logo

Total Investment

$1.2M – $2.3M

Franchise Fee

$42K – $72K

Unit Count

65

Year Founded

2008

Overview

Why Smashburger?

Smashburger is a food & beverage brand with over 18 years of operating history and 65 active locations. The full Franchise Disclosure Document, including unit-level financials, territory terms, training requirements, and franchisee obligations, is available on request.

The Numbers

Investment & Fees

Total initial investment
$1.2M – $2.3M
Initial franchise fee
$42K – $72K
Royalty fee
Available on request
Ad / marketing fee
Available on request

Regulatory Filings

FDDs on file

2025202420232022202120202019

Latest FDD on file: 2025. Request the document below to see Item 19 financial performance, Item 7 estimated initial investment, and territory disclosures.

Who's Operating It

34 franchisees of Smashburger

17 multi-unit operators65 units operated by franchisees
See all 34 Smashburger franchisees

Why every serious buyer requests the FDD

The Franchise Disclosure Document is the single most important piece of paperwork in your due diligence. It's federally mandated and contains everything a franchisor is required to share before you sign.

  • Item 7: full breakdown of your real startup costs
  • Item 19: actual unit-level revenue performance
  • Item 20: franchisee count, openings, closures, transfers
  • Item 21: audited financial statements

Frequently Asked

Smashburger franchise FAQ

Is Smashburger a franchise?

Yes. Smashburger is a franchise in the food & beverage category, which means you can own and operate a Smashburger location under a franchise agreement with the franchisor. The total initial investment to open one ranges from $1.2M – $2.3M. The franchisor provides the brand, systems, and ongoing support in exchange for an initial franchise fee and royalties, all disclosed in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

How much does it cost to open a Smashburger franchise?

Total initial investment to open a Smashburger franchise ranges from $1.2M – $2.3M according to the latest Franchise Disclosure Document. The actual cost depends on territory, build-out, and local market conditions. Request the full FDD on this page for Item 7's full investment breakdown.

What is the Smashburger franchise fee?

The Smashburger initial franchise fee is $42K – $72K, paid to the franchisor at signing. This is separate from total investment and does not include build-out, equipment, or working capital.

How many Smashburger franchise locations are there?

Smashburger operates 65 active locations as of the most recent FDD filing. Request the latest FDD for state-by-state distribution and openings/closures from Item 20.

When was Smashburger founded?

Smashburger was founded in 2008, giving the brand 18 years of operating history. Brand longevity matters in franchising because it correlates with refined operations, established supplier relationships, and a tested franchisee playbook.

Is a Smashburger franchise profitable?

Smashburger unit-level profitability depends on location, operating costs, staffing, and management. When a franchisor makes an earnings claim, it appears in Item 19 of the Franchise Disclosure Document, the only place franchise financial performance is officially disclosed. Request the Smashburger FDD on this page to review any Item 19 financial performance representation.

How do I apply for a Smashburger franchise opportunity?

Submit a request through this page to receive the Smashburger Franchise Disclosure Document. The FDD contains everything you need to evaluate the opportunity: Item 7 investment, Item 19 financial performance, Item 20 unit counts and franchisee turnover, and Item 21 audited financials. There is no cost or obligation to request the FDD.

Where can I get the Smashburger FDD?

The current Smashburger FDD can be requested directly through this page. Franchise Disclosure Documents are federally regulated by the FTC and must be provided to prospective franchisees at least 14 days before signing any binding agreement or paying any fee.

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