Smashburger, an upscale Denver burger chain created by the founder of Quiznos, will expand nationally to California, including Orange County.

“We would view Orange County as a pretty large opportunity,” said David Prokupek of Consumer Capital Partners, the Denver firm that owns the four-unit Colorado chain. “We’re starting to map that market.”

Smashburger uses fresh, Angus beef that’s “smash-grilled” to seal in flavors. Diners can order classic combinations such as Mushroom Swiss burger or they can build their own meal from a handful of toppings, and bun choices (see above photo.)

For fans of The Counter (locations in Irvine and Santa Monica), Smashburger seems like an identical concept. (A quick comparison of the menus shows that The Counter has many more choices for gourmet sauces, cheeses and toppings.)

Quiznos founder Rick Schaden was not available for an interview. However, I talked to his associates at Consumer Capital Partners: Prokupek and Tom Ryan. The firm has raised $15 million to grow Smashburger to as much as 500 units nationally.

Since they are eyeing SoCal, I had to ask the partners if they’ve heard of The Counter, which opened its first upscale burger joint in Santa Monica in 2003. (Smashburger launched its first restaurant in 2007.)

“They have a good burger,” Prokupek said reluctantly, during a phone interview last week.

I asked Liam Carroll, who owns the franchise rights to build The Counter in Orange County, if he’d heard of Smashburger. He said, “No.”

Needless to say, Carroll’s curiosity of Smashburger elevated when I told him that the chain plans to march into his territory.

“I have to find out more,” said Carroll, an Orange County native.

Read on for more Smashburger highlights:

• Burgers are served on a buttery, artisan egg-toasted bun
• Made with Angus beef that’s smashed on a grill to sear and seal in flavors
• Signature burgers available, or you can build your own burger using various toppings.
• Salads, chicken and chili also available. (Sorry. No turkey burgers)
• Fried, haystack onions, veggie frites
• Shakes/floats/malts made from Haagen-Dazs ice cream
• Owners plan to build up to 500 units across the U.S. over the next three to five years. It’s unclear when they’d hit O.C., but they’re scouting lifestyle retail centers with high, foot-traffic.
• Restaurants size: 2,000 square feet with seating of up to 60 people.
• Average, per person check: $8.50. (The Counter’s average check, by the way, is $12.50)

This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 6th, 2008 at 6:00 am and is filed under Burger Joints, Quiznos, Smashburger, The Counter. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.