Smashburger Overview
Refocusing Smashburger for disciplined, profitable growth
CEO Introduction: Jim Sullivan
Originally hired by Smashburger in June 2024 as Chief Development Officer (CDO)
Promoted to President in February 2025 and subsequently promoted to CEO in August 2025
Select prior experience includes CDO roles at Qdoba and CKE Restaurants (dba Carl's Jr. and Hardee's)
Extensive experience / expertise in asset-light conversions
30+ years of experience in the restaurant industry
Initial Priorities
Return to product innovation to reinforce quality cues and Smashburger's taste supremacy
Implement a low / high menu strategy that appeals to both price elastic and price inelastic consumers
Shift marketing investments to drive revenue vs. impressions
Cement taste differentiation and bolster box economics to enable Smashburger to realize its aspirations of becoming a best-
in-class franchisor
Product Innovation
Strong pipeline of quality innovation was launched to
support Smashburger's taste superiority
Examples include: ¼ LB All-Angus Big Dogs, Smoked Brisket Bacon Smash, Colorado Smash, Loaded Sides, among others
Please note that all products were consumer tested and validated. Product decisions are based on data, rather than opinion
Low / High Menu StrategyAttract consumers via an "All the taste. All the quality. All-the-time." $4.99 value menu to stimulate demand and drive traffic
$4.99 is a true differentiator: QSR cannot compete with our quality, Fast Casual cannot compete with our price point
Once a customer is within the 4-walls, it is the job of our operators to upsell / drive average check via more premium entrée items, loaded sides, or indulgent shakes
Low / High Menu Strategy Merchandising"Low"
"High"
Shift Marketing to Drive Revenue vs. Impressions
J. Smith
3900 E. Mexico Ave Denver, CO 80210
Marketing must now drive profitable, top-line growth. As a result, our tactics now have a call-to-action and can be tracked for efficacy
Examples include:
Loyalty and email outreach
Direct mail
Workplace
Direct SMS via GroundTruth
Profitable delivery promotions (both owned and 3rd party)
Marketing Examples: Loyalty / Email Database Outreach
Initial Success Demonstrated during Inaugural "Summer of Smash"Momentum established during Summer of Smash,
including:
Major SSS and SST trend improvements
Absolute ADS and ADTC growth
Substantial improvement in store-level margin profile and profitability performance
Customer feedback = overwhelmingly positive
Extensive PR coverage
"Not your grandfather's hot dog"
