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(Huffington Post) Obvious Smashburger planning massive expansion of restaurant chain, customers waistlines   (huffingtonpost.com) divider line 62
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1735 clicks; posted to Business » on 10 Jan 2012 at 2:31 AM   |  Favorite    |   share:  Share on Twitter share via Email Share on Facebook   more»   |    Get this fabulous T-Shirt and impress the methane out of your friends! shirt it!



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BravadoGT [TotalFark]
2012-01-09 11:25:47 PM
We got them here in Atlanta recently. It tastes like there's more salt than beef in that patty...
 
FlashHarry [TotalFark]
2012-01-09 11:37:37 PM
god-damn, but i do love a smashburger burger. greasy? sure! salty? holy fark. but they do taste delicious. and their veggie frites are decent, too.
 
CruiserTwelve [TotalFark]
2012-01-09 11:53:14 PM
i162.photobucket.com

Smashburger Barbeque Bacon and Cheese. Good stuff.
 
tallguywithglasseson [TotalFark]
2012-01-10 12:17:35 AM
Things are awesome and yes, they did make me fat. Temporarily.

I love their (regular) fries, too.
 
The Onanist [TotalFark]
2012-01-10 12:29:16 AM
tallguywithglasseson: Things are awesome and yes, they did make me fat. Temporarily.

I love their (regular) fries, too.

Dude, just go to Matt's.

/Fellow Minneapolitan
 
Asa Phelps [TotalFark]
2012-01-10 12:41:29 AM
Can someone explain the conceptual appeal?

I know enough about cooking to know that applying pressure to a piece of meat on the grill is a bad idea.
 
robmilmel [TotalFark]
2012-01-10 01:49:51 AM
Asa Phelps: Can someone explain the conceptual appeal?

I know enough about cooking to know that applying pressure to a piece of meat on the grill is a bad idea.

I don't know about this place (never heard of it), but if you put a ball of meat on the flat grill and smoosh it down before cooking, you get a nice crusty exterior.
 
cheap_thoughts [TotalFark]
2012-01-10 02:06:25 AM
I loves it. but they left town
 
wildcardjack
2012-01-10 02:36:34 AM
So, when Smashburger paid to be on something on Food Network, they showed off a fried green chili.

When I came across one in Dallas, a recent expansion, they didn't have the fried green chili.

So so burger, I don't have to ever go back there again. I can slot it next to In-N-Out and Freebirds in my list of overrated places I don't need to go back to.
 
sgilman [TotalFark]
2012-01-10 03:06:13 AM
I've decided I don't want to weigh 400 lbs so I've had to give them up, but an All American with a fried egg and a side of smash fries is pretty farkin awesome.
 
culebra
2012-01-10 03:16:17 AM
All burger joints mentioned above and below this post are inferior to my local restaurant burger of choice and/or the burgers I make in my kitchen.
 
noazark
2012-01-10 03:19:51 AM
The chain currently exploding in L.A. is Hamburger Habit. I had never heard of them before September of last year (apparently, they were founded in 1969), but now there are three locations within a five-mile radius of my apartment -- and I've noticed several others sprinkled throughout other cities in the metro area.

Decent enough burgers, I guess. Their char-grilled chicken is a tastier sandwich, though.

But they are expanding way faster than any restaurant chain here has, that I can recall.
 
noazark
2012-01-10 03:24:56 AM
Correction; it's The Habit - Burger Grill ... not Hamburger Habit.

/shows how much of an impression they've made on me, I guess -_-
 
I Am The Egg Matt Drudge Smears Upon His Body
2012-01-10 04:01:17 AM
noazark: The chain currently exploding in L.A. is Hamburger Habit. I had never heard of them before September of last year (apparently, they were founded in 1969), but now there are three locations within a five-mile radius of my apartment -- and I've noticed several others sprinkled throughout other cities in the metro area.

Decent enough burgers, I guess. Their char-grilled chicken is a tastier sandwich, though.

But they are expanding way faster than any restaurant chain here has, that I can recall.

The Counter is pretty good as well.
 
unyon [TotalFark]
2012-01-10 04:01:30 AM
TFA Moneyshot: The reason virtually no one has tried the model so far is that, on the face of it, it doesn't make any sense.

None whatsoever. I predict Smashburger won't exist in 5 years.
 
marfar
2012-01-10 04:27:21 AM
wildcardjack: So, when Smashburger paid to be on something on Food Network, they showed off a fried green chili.

When I came across one in Dallas, a recent expansion, they didn't have the fried green chili.

So so burger, I don't have to ever go back there again. I can slot it next to In-N-Out and Freebirds in my list of overrated places I don't need to go back to.

Can you please elaborate on your dislike of In-N-Out, I'm from San Diego so I am lucky enough to have In-N-Outs everywhere so I don't have to settle for McDonalds or Jack In The Crack for late night burgers.
 
stewbert
2012-01-10 07:43:31 AM
unyon: TFA Moneyshot: The reason virtually no one has tried the model so far is that, on the face of it, it doesn't make any sense.

None whatsoever. I predict Smashburger won't exist in 5 years.

Yeah. Latin America before expanding in the US? It's a good burger; I had one in Denver, but I'd invest my money elsewhere. Not sure how you manage the supply chain for a few foreign outlets.
 
I Am The Egg Matt Drudge Smears Upon His Body
2012-01-10 08:15:11 AM
wildcardjack: So, when Smashburger paid to be on something on Food Network, they showed off a fried green chili.

When I came across one in Dallas, a recent expansion, they didn't have the fried green chili.

So so burger, I don't have to ever go back there again. I can slot it next to In-N-Out and Freebirds in my list of overrated places I don't need to go back to.

This. Oh so much this.

In-N-Out = most highly overrated burger joint around

I don't know how they do it, but they are able to cook up a burger right in front of you and it's already stone cold before you take the first bite.

And their fries are THE worst. Greasy and almost all less than one inch in length. And absolutely no flavor to them.

Mcdonalds fries > In-N-Out fries

Any day of the eek.
 
EvilToni
2012-01-10 08:24:49 AM
Smashburger has the BEST grilled chicken sandwiches! (nothing about a burger that looks like its dripping with grease appeals to me)
 
DjangoStonereaver [TotalFark]
2012-01-10 08:27:07 AM
I am personally a Five Guys fan (yes, they will only cook their burgers well; though
I personally prefer medium, with good ground beef it hardly matters).

Here in DC, though, Bobby Flay just opened a branch of his Five Guys wannabe
place, Bobby's Burger Palace (new window), and frankly I was unimpressed.

Yes, they'll cook the burger however you want, but since its Bobby Flay you
have all sorts of theme burgers that cover up the fact that he isn't using quite
the same quality of meat as Five Guys. And of course almost all of them make
liberal and gratuitous use of spicy peppers or hot sauce; mind you, I like spicy
but Flay just uses spicy as a shortcut to seeming culinarily interesting. Didn't
try the fries, though, and though the restaurant is trying for a 50s diner feel, it
is way too new and clean and obviously designed by a reject from DESIGN
STARS on HGTV from a plan dictated by a focus group to be anything to be
taken seriously.

In all, it was a solid 'meh', and not worth the couple extra bucks he charges.

/Yes, I just became a foodie for a brief moment. I take my burgers seriously
//Let us never speak of my moment of foodieness ever again.
 
Tobin_Lam
2012-01-10 08:31:27 AM
wildcardjack: So, when Smashburger paid to be on something on FoodDiners, Drive-ins, and Dives Network, they showed off a fried green chili.

FTFY. I recently got cable and was excited about the Food Network but that is usually the show that's on when I turn on the TV. One evening, my wife asked me what was on and I looked it up. I told her,"Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives is on right now and next is ... the same thing until 3am."

I Am The Egg Matt Drudge Smears Upon His Body: Mcdonalds fries > In-N-Out fries

It is not possible to make fries better than McDonalds.
 
MugzyBrown
2012-01-10 08:37:16 AM
I think the burger market is pretty saturated at this point.

10 years ago there was a pretty big void in the market that has been totally filled. Every major area has pleanty of McDonalds/BKs/Wendys for the traditional fast food, they have several bars and burger specialty places for the high-end burgers, and now they have the middle road filled with the 5 Guys and In & Outs and whatever is around.
 
MugzyBrown
2012-01-10 08:39:10 AM
Tobin_Lam: One evening, my wife asked me what was on and I looked it up. I told her,"Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives is on right now and next is ... the same thing until 3am."

That's been a running joke with my wife and I lately as well.


Ohhh that's money. That's craazy.
 
El Farko
2012-01-10 08:40:29 AM
DjangoStonereaver: I am personally a Five Guys fan (yes, they will only cook their burgers well; though
I personally prefer medium, with good ground beef it hardly matters).

Here in DC, though, Bobby Flay just opened a branch of his Five Guys wannabe
place, Bobby's Burger Palace (new window), and frankly I was unimpressed.
In all, it was a solid 'meh', and not worth the couple extra bucks he charges.


One of the best burgers I ever had was over in the area of the National Cathedral. Z Burger? I think that's what it was called. it actually looked and felt like a 5 Guys.
 
DjangoStonereaver [TotalFark]
2012-01-10 08:49:09 AM
El Farko: DjangoStonereaver: I am personally a Five Guys fan (yes, they will only cook their burgers well; though
I personally prefer medium, with good ground beef it hardly matters).

Here in DC, though, Bobby Flay just opened a branch of his Five Guys wannabe
place, Bobby's Burger Palace (new window), and frankly I was unimpressed.
In all, it was a solid 'meh', and not worth the couple extra bucks he charges.


One of the best burgers I ever had was over in the area of the National Cathedral. Z Burger? I think that's what it was called. it actually looked and felt like a 5 Guys.

They have 2 locations along Wisconsin Avenue (new window); you're probably thinking of the
one near Tenleytown/American University. I have never eaten there, but have
been meaning to (I drive by it once in a while on my way to and from work).
 
baorao
2012-01-10 08:54:23 AM
We just got a Smashburger. Haven't been there yet. Its in a terrible location, so I'll probably never unless someone can make an argument that its on part with Five Guys or In n Out (which we don't have).
 
Enuratique
2012-01-10 09:06:44 AM
culebra: All burger joints mentioned above and below this post are inferior to my local restaurant burger of choice and/or the burgers I make in my kitchen.

Came for this, leaving satisfied.
 
MugzyBrown
2012-01-10 09:18:49 AM
Food in the US over the past 10-15 years has really shown what a free market can do for society.

Back in the 90's, if you worked outside the city, when it was time for lunch you didn't have much choice other than crappy fast food or an expensive restaurant.

Now thanks to Food TV, and the spreading of ideas of fresh food and 'better' food, the options have really expanded. The cities now have really cook food trucks and smaller restaurants, less chains. The suburbs have more chains, but the level of the chains has greatly increased.

Now if I want cheap, I can go to McDs, if I want to eat a little better, I have Chipotle 5-guys, Panera, etc.

Despite rising food costs, the prices have stayed pretty resonable. It's a good time to eat!
 
FlashHarry [TotalFark]
2012-01-10 09:21:03 AM
baorao: We just got a Smashburger. Haven't been there yet. Its in a terrible location, so I'll probably never unless someone can make an argument that its on part with Five Guys or In n Out (which we don't have).

better than five guys. haven't tried in 'n' out. and i like five guys.

order a "classic smashburger." that's all you need.
 
pregerstheHobo
2012-01-10 09:23:56 AM
Mmmmmmmmmmmm. Their Colorado burger with regular fries is how I get myself through the week. Can't wait until friday lunch. Fried green chiles, greasy and salty as fark, but oh so good.
 
Lost Thought 00
2012-01-10 09:39:25 AM
Meh, If I'm looking to induce a heart attack, I still go to Primanti's
 
mynameisdouglas
2012-01-10 09:42:39 AM
Went there a few weeks ago for the first time.
Pretty good, will probably go back eventually. It was worth it to try, but not amazing.
 
zez
2012-01-10 09:53:31 AM
We have a smashburger in town and it's pretty good. Not as good as a few local places around but way better than the In & Out I had in Vegas and 5 Guys.

Not too expensive either

And you can get beer
 
Timmy the Tumor [TotalFark]
2012-01-10 09:55:28 AM
Send one here to north Dallas.

We're so starved for food options (that aren't sauceless BBQ or sh*tty tex-mex), a Dunkin Donuts opened up last week here and had 150 people in line Sunday morning.
 
poisonedpawn78
2012-01-10 09:58:07 AM
As a canadian who has 3.5 options for burgers ( McDonalds, Burger King, Harveys, Mom and Pop shops) should I be excited about their expansion into Canada?
 
groppet
2012-01-10 10:12:15 AM
El Farko: DjangoStonereaver: I am personally a Five Guys fan (yes, they will only cook their burgers well; though
I personally prefer medium, with good ground beef it hardly matters).

Here in DC, though, Bobby Flay just opened a branch of his Five Guys wannabe
place, Bobby's Burger Palace (new window), and frankly I was unimpressed.
In all, it was a solid 'meh', and not worth the couple extra bucks he charges.


One of the best burgers I ever had was over in the area of the National Cathedral. Z Burger? I think that's what it was called. it actually looked and felt like a 5 Guys.

Yeah I havent had a Z burger in a while . I loved their shakes. Went there now and then when I was dating a girl in the area.
 
bluelancer03
2012-01-10 10:17:29 AM
Timmy the Tumor: Send one here to north Dallas.

We're so starved for food options (that aren't sauceless BBQ or sh*tty tex-mex), a Dunkin Donuts opened up last week here and had 150 people in line Sunday morning.

Addison on Beltline. Under Pete's Piano Bar. Granted, you have a Mooyah Burger and a Jake's less than a mile east of there, so your burger options aren't very limited in that area.
 
Serious Black
2012-01-10 10:20:48 AM
Smashburger moved into town about two years ago. Mrs. Black and I tried them and liked their burgers and fries enough to go back about once a month. Apparently, we were the only people to think that since they closed up shop a few months ago.
 
Pants full of macaroni!! [TotalFark]
2012-01-10 10:22:12 AM
It just wouldn't be Fark without the weekly BURGER WAR THREAD!
 
Old enough to know better
2012-01-10 10:25:04 AM
Oh good. Because I was saying to a friend just the other day, "Boy, there aren't nearly enough burger chains out there."
 
Xaro
2012-01-10 10:29:25 AM
I tried Smashburger once. The cheese was enough to make me never want to go back. The meat itself was OK I guess, but the cheese looked, tasted liked, and had the consistency of spray cheese. 5 guys or "My local favorite burger joint" is a much better option.
 
MightyPez
2012-01-10 10:36:26 AM
FlashHarry: baorao: We just got a Smashburger. Haven't been there yet. Its in a terrible location, so I'll probably never unless someone can make an argument that its on part with Five Guys or In n Out (which we don't have).

better than five guys. haven't tried in 'n' out. and i like five guys.

order a "classic smashburger." that's all you need.

Just to voice a dissenting opinion, I disagree. I tried Smashburger near my work and I felt like I paid a lot for a greasy bog standard burger.

Much prefer five guys for the fresh cut fries that they overload you with, and the burgers are simple high quality meat.
 
tallguywithglasseson [TotalFark]
2012-01-10 10:42:38 AM
The Onanist: Dude, just go to Matt's.

I think it goes without saying that "your local burger place" or "my kitchen" makes better burgers than burger chain X. Don't be that guy.
 
FrancoFile
2012-01-10 10:44:18 AM
Came for South Park references, leaving disappointed...
 
Boxcutta
2012-01-10 10:47:27 AM
I know nothing of this burger joint. Any IP attorneys in here? Would GameStop have a chance at forcing them to change their font/color?

i.imgur.com
 
Knobbs
2012-01-10 10:53:53 AM
Latin America? Following the Los Pollos Hermanos business model, I see.

// what is in this burger that makes it so addictive?
 
Lost Thought 00
2012-01-10 10:56:03 AM
Boxcutta: I know nothing of this burger joint. Any IP attorneys in here? Would GameStop have a chance at forcing them to change their font/color?

[i.imgur.com image 401x271]

Not a lawyer, but I think there needs to be a reasonable expectation for customers to confuse the two shops. Since they aren't in the same industry, it's unlikely. But that wouldn't stop lawyers from trying, though I don't think either company has enough spare change to afford the lawsuits.
 
Rapmaster2000
2012-01-10 11:02:13 AM
I'm tired of the "fast-casual" burger model. I'm wallowing in a sea of Five Guys/Smashburger/Cheeseburger Bobby/Fatburger around here and it's all the same to me. And that's not to mention the slightly more upscale Grindhouse and Flip locations more in the city. This market is crammed with too many competitors. Expect to see some attrition.

And In-N-Out is like the new Coors. Everyone in the East thinks it's great because they can't get it. Once you can get In-N-Out whenever you want you'll be all "meh."
 
mcreadyblue
2012-01-10 11:15:00 AM
Timmy the Tumor: Send one here to north Dallas.

We're so starved for food options (that aren't sauceless BBQ or sh*tty tex-mex), a Dunkin Donuts opened up last week here and had 150 people in line Sunday morning.

There is a new Smashburger at Parker & NDT

And they are building a 5 Guys less than a mile away at Midway & Parker.
 
FrancoFile
2012-01-10 11:22:55 AM
Rapmaster2000: I'm tired of the "fast-casual" burger model. I'm wallowing in a sea of Five Guys/Smashburger/Cheeseburger Bobby/Fatburger around here and it's all the same to me. And that's not to mention the slightly more upscale Grindhouse and Flip locations more in the city. This market is crammed with too many competitors. Expect to see some attrition.

And In-N-Out is like the new Coors. Everyone in the East thinks it's great because they can't get it. Once you can get In-N-Out whenever you want you'll be all "meh."

Don't forget Red Robin.

It's just like the 'yuppieburger' phenomenon in the early 90s, with Fuddruckers and everyone else who have since gone by the wayside.
 
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