Smashburger, a fast-casual food chain, has secured its second franchisee and ‘Founders Club’ member, Areios, which is a partnership between franchise and restaurant operators Ron Chaulk and Jim Cagle.
As Smashburger’s second ‘Founders Club’ member, Areios will provide field insight on Smashburger’s brand and menu development as well as operations and real estate. The ‘Founders Club’ designation will be reserved for the first five large franchisees to join the Smashburger team.
David Prokupek, managing partner and chief investment officer of Consumer Capital Partners, said:
“Contrary to what the macroeconomic environment might dictate, the strength of the Smashburger brand and our diligent focus on unit level economics, combined with the opportunity in the ‘better burger’ category, continues to attract the best franchisees in the country like Ron and Jim. Ron and Jim represent the ideal spectrum of experience that can generate valuable input as ‘Founders Club’ members, input that will help us execute our growth strategy on both a local and national level.”
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