How Smashburger develops its local burgersHow Smashburger develops its local burgers

When Tom Ryan wants a burger at home, he grinds his own beef, usually using boneless short ribs, and grills the burger with the same seasoning he uses at Smashburger. And then he tops it off with a whole bunch of olives.

It’s a version of the burger available in Western Michigan Smashburger locations. The Michigan Olive Smashburger includes green olives, American cheese, lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise on an egg bun.  And it’s remarkably popular there, accounting for one of five burgers Smashburger sells in that market.

Where did that recipe come from? Ryan. The brand’s cofounder and chief branding officer is from Western Michigan. So he knew that some restaurants in that area that have since gone out of business sold olive burgers. When th...