Smashburger Celebrates Orange County Openings with Hundreds of Community Members

IRVINE, CA, December 12, 2012 (Press-News.org) The secret is in the smash and local personalities from Mayor Pro Tem Rhonda Reardon to Real Housewife of Orange County Jeana Keough got a firsthand experience of what makes Smashburger the nation's fastest growing "better burger" restaurant. Recently named by Forbes Magazine as "America's Most Promising Company," Smashburger is bringing its fresh and flavorful approach to Orange County residents with its first two OC locations now open in Aliso Viejo and Mission Viejo. These two locations mark the first of at least 20 Orange County Smashburger locations slated to open in the next five years.

At the Mission Viejo opening on Nov. 20, city officials, Chamber of Commerce leaders and members, and community members gathered to cut the ribbon on OC's first Smashburger location in the dining veranda at The Shops at Mission Viejo. VIP guests dined on Smashburger entrees, ranging from burgers and chicken sandwiches to salads and unique sides, such as Smashfries, sweet potato fries, fried pickles and Veggie Frites.

Next on Dec. 4, hundreds of VIPs poured into Smashburger's flagship Orange County location in Aliso Viejo. Smashburger rolled out the red carpet, literally, and guest snapped photos in front of the Smashburger step-and-repeat as they enjoyed Smashburger's signature entrees and complimentary wine tastings. Smashburger Founder Tom Ryan and Orange County's CEO and Managing Owner Ernie Sandoval greeted guests as they enjoyed live music provided by artist Marco Tulio and viewed photos of Smashburger openings from around the world on a screen backdrop. Orange County Housewife Jeana Keough took the "celebrity smashing" honor by creating and smashing a burger alongside Ryan and kitchen chefs.

As part of its grand opening festivities, Smashburger is raising money for local schools. Through Sunday, Dec. 9, Smashburger in Aliso Viejo will give $1 for every entree sold to participating schools. Guests simply present their school flyers at the register.

Now serving Orange County, Smashburger features a regional menu created with local flavors and tastes in mind. The OC menu includes:

• The OC Smashburger: 100-percent, never frozen, Angus Beef burger topped with grilled sauteed mushrooms, grilled onions, baby arugula, aged Swiss cheese and truffle mayo on an egg bun.
• The L.A. Smashburger: 100-percent, never frozen, Angus Beef burger topped with a crispy wonton, fried egg, cilantro, cucumber, lettuce, tomato and Japanese steakhouse ginger dressing on a black and white sesame seed bun.

At Smashburger, the secret is in the smash. It starts with 100 percent—fresh, never frozen - Angus Beef and is smashed on a 400-degree flat grill to sear in the juicy flavor. To further the "better burger" experience, the delicious burgers are served on a toasted artisan bun and topped with a selection of produce cut fresh daily, real cheeses, and highest-quality condiments.

Smashburger's signature recipes and create-your-own burgers are smashed fresh, served delicious every time. But Smashburger is more than just burgers. Guests can also enjoy a selection of tender marinated grilled or crispy Smashchicken sandwiches, grilled and split hot dogs, and fresh tossed signature salads, along with a variety of irresistible sides including rosemary and garlic-seasoned Smashfries, fried pickles, Haystack Onions, and Veggie Frites (carrot sticks and green beans). The restaurant also serves a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages including local beers, wine, and hand-spun Häagen-Dazs shakes.

Smashburger's Orange County restaurants are open daily at 1003 The Shops at Mission Viejo and 26541 Aliso Creek Road, Suite C, in the Aliso Viejo Town Center. For more information, visit http://www.smashburger.com.

About Smashburger
Smashburger is America's fastest growing, fast casual "better burger" restaurant with global appeal, offering a variety of handcrafted menu items, including regionally inspired burgers and sides, and a 'create your own' model that allow guests to customize their experience. Smashburger also offers a wide assortment of chicken sandwiches, a selection of local beverages, craft beer and hand-spun Häagen-Dazs shakes to provide a unique experience. Developed and owned by private equity firm Consumer Capital Partners (CCP), Smashburger operates and develops both corporate and multi-unit franchise territories across the globe with 186 restaurants across 28 markets in the United States, Canada, Kuwait and Costa Rica. Smashburger was named to Inc.'s 2012 Hire Power Awards list, topped Fast Casual's 2012 Top Mover & Shakers list, and was named America's Most Promising Company by Forbes magazine last year. It is the recipient of the International Council of Shopping Centers 2011 Hot Retailer Award and was also ranked No. 99 on the 2011 Inc 500 list. To learn more, visit http://www.smashburger.com.