Smashburger is planning to expand into the Middle East, the company said Wednesday, marking the fast-casual burger brand’s first step toward international growth.
Company officials said they also are actively seeking franchisees to bring the brand to Canada and the United Kingdom.
In agreements announced Wednesday, Smashburger said franchisees will open multiple units in Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia over the next few years.
The Denver-based company has partnered with Georgetown Advisors to open six Smashburger locations in Kuwait and three in Bahrain.
Georgetown Advisors is a boutique commercial development firm based in Bahrain. Smashburger will be the firm’s first and only burger brand in its portfolio.
In Saudi Arabia, Al Musbah Group plans to open eight airport locations of Smashburger. The group operates several Western brands, including Sbarro, Cinnabon, Carvel and Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen.
Dave Prokupek, chair and chief executive of Smashburger, said domestic expansion would continue. The 118-unit chain is growing aggressively in the United States, with the goal of reaching 500 locations within the next few years.
“Since we opened the door to our first Smashburger location in 2007, we were confident that our contemporary concept and premium product would have global demand and relevance in a wide variety of countries and cultures,” Prokupek said in a statement.
“Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia provide vibrant markets with strong appetites for restaurant concepts that have proven successful in the United States,” he added.
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Smashburger, which is owned by Denver-based private equity firm Consumer Capital Partners, joins a number of U.S. restaurant brands expanding in the Middle East.
Earlier this year, IHOP announced its first move outside North America, with plans to open 40 restaurants in Middle Eastern countries.
Others moving into the region include Elevation Burger, Top That! Pizza, The Cheesecake Factory, Fatburger, Chili’s Grill & Bar, Ponderosa and Dixie Cream Donut Co.
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