Smashburger founder Tom Ryan and CEO Jim Sullivan join Fast Casual Nation to reveal their bold strategy to reclaim the brand's position in the better burger category. Discover how their new "Belief is in the bite" philosophy, innovative $4.99 value platform, and surprise Big Dog success are driving a comeback story. Plus, learn about their aggressive five-year plan to grow from 200 to over 1,000 locations through strategic franchising and non-traditional venues. This conversation explores menu innovation, operational excellence, and why they believe the QSR guys can't compete on quality and fast casual brands can't compete on their price.<br /><br /><b>~This episode is brought to you by KRAFT Philadelphia Cream Cheese~</b><br />Visit <a href="https://bit.ly/Kraft-FCN" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://bit.ly/Kraft-FCN</a><br /><br />Smashburger #FastCasual #RestaurantIndustry<br />00:00 – Intro and guests<br />01:20 – Smashburger’s new flavor-focused rebrand<br />04:20 – CEO Jim Sullivan and Tom Ryan join<br />06:10 – Smashburger history and product philosophy<br />07:05 – Rebuilding brand identity and premium position<br />08:10 – Fast innovation: LTOs and Big Dogs<br />09:20 – Value platform at $4.99<br />10:15 – Premium lineup and loaded sides<br />12:00 – “Belief is in the bite” brand strategy<br />13:20 – New logo, colors and store identity<br />17:15 – Growth goals and expansion plans<br /><br /><br />Get Your Podcast Now! Are you a hospitality or restaurant industry leader looking to amplify your voice and establish yourself as a thought leader? Look no further than SavorFM, the premier podcast platform designed exclusively for hospitality visionaries like you. Take the next step in your industry leadership journey – visit <a href="https://www.savor.fm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.savor.fm/</a><br /><br />Capital &amp; Advisory: Are you a fast-casual restaurant startup or a technology innovator in the food service industry? Don't miss out on the opportunity to tap into decades of expertise. Reach out to Savor Capital &amp; Advisory now to explore how their seasoned professionals can propel your business forward. Discover if you're eligible to leverage our unparalleled knowledge in food service branding and technology and take your venture to new heights.<br /><br />Don't wait – amplify your voice or supercharge your startup's growth today with Savor's ecosystem of industry-leading platforms and advisory services. Visit <a href="https://www.savor.fm/capital-advisory" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.savor.fm/capital-advisory</a><br />

Fast Casual Nation

Savor.fm

Smashburger's Strategic Comeback: A Conversation with Tom Ryan and Jim Sullivan

DEC 10, 202540 MIN
Fast Casual Nation

Smashburger's Strategic Comeback: A Conversation with Tom Ryan and Jim Sullivan

DEC 10, 202540 MIN

Description

Smashburger founder Tom Ryan and CEO Jim Sullivan join Fast Casual Nation to reveal their bold strategy to reclaim the brand's position in the better burger category. Discover how their new "Belief is in the bite" philosophy, innovative $4.99 value platform, and surprise Big Dog success are driving a comeback story. Plus, learn about their aggressive five-year plan to grow from 200 to over 1,000 locations through strategic franchising and non-traditional venues. This conversation explores menu innovation, operational excellence, and why they believe the QSR guys can't compete on quality and fast casual brands can't compete on their price.<br /><br /><b>~This episode is brought to you by KRAFT Philadelphia Cream Cheese~</b><br />Visit <a href="https://bit.ly/Kraft-FCN" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://bit.ly/Kraft-FCN</a><br /><br />Smashburger #FastCasual #RestaurantIndustry<br />00:00 – Intro and guests<br />01:20 – Smashburger’s new flavor-focused rebrand<br />04:20 – CEO Jim Sullivan and Tom Ryan join<br />06:10 – Smashburger history and product philosophy<br />07:05 – Rebuilding brand identity and premium position<br />08:10 – Fast innovation: LTOs and Big Dogs<br />09:20 – Value platform at $4.99<br />10:15 – Premium lineup and loaded sides<br />12:00 – “Belief is in the bite” brand strategy<br />13:20 – New logo, colors and store identity<br />17:15 – Growth goals and expansion plans<br /><br /><br />Get Your Podcast Now! Are you a hospitality or restaurant industry leader looking to amplify your voice and establish yourself as a thought leader? Look no further than SavorFM, the premier podcast platform designed exclusively for hospitality visionaries like you. Take the next step in your industry leadership journey – visit <a href="https://www.savor.fm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.savor.fm/</a><br /><br />Capital &amp; Advisory: Are you a fast-casual restaurant startup or a technology innovator in the food service industry? Don't miss out on the opportunity to tap into decades of expertise. Reach out to Savor Capital &amp; Advisory now to explore how their seasoned professionals can propel your business forward. Discover if you're eligible to leverage our unparalleled knowledge in food service branding and technology and take your venture to new heights.<br /><br />Don't wait – amplify your voice or supercharge your startup's growth today with Savor's ecosystem of industry-leading platforms and advisory services. Visit <a href="https://www.savor.fm/capital-advisory" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.savor.fm/capital-advisory</a><br />