Arizona’s Better Burger Arrives in Tempe

Smashed, Seared, and Seasoned, Smashburger Opens October 2

(TEMPE, ARIZ.)  - Arizona burger lovers are gearing up to savor a better burger when Smashburger opens its first Arizona location on October 2.  Smashburger, which offers the best burger five dollars can buy, is located near the Arizona State University campus at 777 E. College Avenue in Tempe.

“We are thrilled to bring Arizona’s first Smashburger to Tempe and the ASU campus,” says Kurt Riske, brand manager of SunWest Restaurant Concepts. “We are a burger lover’s dream destined to become Arizona’s favorite burger place.”

Named for the cooking method used to create the perfect burger, Smashburgers start with a one-third or half-pound ball of 100-percent Angus beef—fresh, not frozen—smashed, seared and seasoned on a flat grill. Served on a butter-toasted artisan bun and topped with a selection of real cheeses, Smashburgers feature the freshest produce and top-quality condiments.

The restaurant also serves delicious Smashchicken, Smashdogs and Smashsalads, with sides like veggie frites and rosemary and garlic-seasoned Smashfries. Diners can also enjoy Häagen-Dazs shakes, root beer floats, beer and wine with their meal.

The menu, which was created by Tom Ryan, Smashburger founder and a food scientist by training, caters to Arizonians with an Arizona Smashburger comprised of a one-third or one-half pound beef patty, topped with real Habenero cheese, fresh guacamole, lettuce, tomato, onion, and jalapenos, and finished with chipotle mayo on a chipotle bun.

Tempe residents and ASU students will also indulge in the Arizona Devil Dog, a Hebrew National 100% Beef Hotdogs, split, seared, and topped with Habanero cheese, guacamole, fresh jalapenos, spicy chipotle sauce, tomatoes and onion in a lightly toasted poppy seed bun, and the Arizona Cobb Salad created with diced chicken breast, bacon, cheddar cheese, tomatoes, red onions, crisp romaine and iceberg lettuce, with spicy chipotle sauce and topped with guacamole and fresh jalapenos.

“Arizonians are ready for a better burger,” says Smashburger Founder Tom Ryan. “We are excited to enter the Tempe market and proud to offer our guests three specially tailored menu items.”

Published on behalf of Smashburger
Denver, Colorado-based Smashburger is a fast-casual restaurant designed to be every city’s favorite burger place. Developed and funded with $15 million from private equity and concept development firm Consumer Capital Partners (CCP), Smashburger develops both company and joint-venture partner stores. The company has sold franchise agreements that will total more than 200 locations over the next five years. The company, joint venture and franchise development deals are part of Smashburger’s plan to open 500 plus restaurants across the country, 30 to 60 in 2009. Smashburger was named a 2009 Hot Concepts! award winner by Nation’s Restaurant News. To learn more, visit http://www.smashburger.com/. 

About Consumer Capital Partners
Denver-based Consumer Capital Partners (CCP) is an innovative private investment and concept development firm focused on multi-unit retail businesses, primarily in the restaurant, liquor, food, and leisure industries. CCP has deep experience in the fields of private equity, brand, concept and product development, and strategic consulting. To learn more about CCP, please visit www.consumercp.com.

About SunWest Restaurant Concepts, Inc.
A subsidiary of Phoenix-based SunWest Restaurant Concepts, SunWest Burgers LLC principals–David Doty, Chuck Riske and Robin Yoshimura– collectively bring over 40 years of restaurant industry experience to Smashburger.  Earlier this year, they signed a 30-unit development agreement with Smashburger to develop units in Maricopa County over the next seven years.  They are a Founding Club franchisee member and part owner in the overall company developing the Smashburger brand.  SunWest also operates 6 Jerry’s Restaurants and 7 Black Bear Diners in Arizona, Nevada and Oklahoma.

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