Smashburger Fires Up In Durham March 12

Durham Residents Can Savor the "Better Burger" at Lakeview Pavilion East with a Portion of Opening Proceeds Benefitting Duke Children's Hospital & Health Center. End Quote

Durham, NC (1888PressRelease) March 04, 2014 - Smashburger, the nation's fastest growing "better burger" restaurant, is gearing up to open its first Triangle location Wednesday, March 12 in Durham's Lakeview Pavilion East shopping center (2608 Erwin Road), located across from Duke University Hospital and down the road from Duke University. The community is invited to come out for opening day, where they can be one of the first to taste the smashingly fresh approach to burgers, celebrate with fun onsite activities and help raise money for Duke Children's Hospital & Health Center. The local restaurant owners are donating 10 percent of total proceeds from opening day through Sunday, March 16 to the organization.

Smashburger brings juicy burgers that are smashed fresh, served delicious, along with premium chicken sandwiches, black bean burgers, salads, Haagen-Dazs® shakes, tempting sides and regional menu items specifically crafted to please local's palates throughout the Triangle. The Durham Smashburger, will feature the Carolina Chili Smashburger, a 100-percent Certified Angus Beef burger topped with layers of melted American cheese, beefy chili, chopped yellow onion, Duke's® mayo and coleslaw on a pretzel bun.

"We are thrilled to bring Smashburger's fresh, never frozen offerings to Triangle residents," says Smashburger Founder and Chief Concept Officer Tom Ryan. "Smashburger can't wait to debut its first area location in Durham and we look forward to introducing locals to our delicious, smashed-to-order burgers."

Triangle residents for more than 27 years, area franchise owners Ketan and Jayshri Patel selected Duke Children's as the grand opening beneficiary because of its nationally ranked work as one of the largest charity healthcare providers for children in the southeast. Donations from the grand opening will support the organization's mission to continue providing innovative patient-and-family-centered care and discovering treatments to help future generations.

"We're extremely proud to be working with Duke Children's Hospital for the Durham Smashburger grand opening," says co-owner Jayshri Patel. "As a proud Duke University alumna, it's an honor to give back to this life-changing pediatrics program as we open our first Smashburger location here in our own backyard."

This is the first of several Smashburger restaurants the Patels will open in the Triangle area. Additional information on the timing and location of those stores will be announced in the coming months.

At Smashburger, the secret is in the smash. It starts with 100-percent fresh, never frozen Certified Angus Beef that 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 toasted artisan buns and topped with a selection of the freshest produce, real cheeses and highest quality condiments.

Smashburger is more than just burgers. Customers can also enjoy a selection of tender grilled chicken sandwiches and fresh-tossed signature salads, along with a variety of irresistible sides including rosemary and garlic-seasoned Smashfries, Haystack Onions and Veggie Frites (flash-fried and seasoned carrot sticks and green beans). The restaurant will also serve a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages including handspun Häagen-Dazs® shakes, root beer floats in frosted mugs and beer, including local craft brews. To learn more, visit www.smashburger.com and follow us on social media at www.facebook.com/smashburger or on Twitter and Instagram at ( @ ) smashburger dot

About Smashburger
Smashburger is America's fastest growing, fast casual "better burger" restaurant with 256 corporate and franchise restaurants operating in 30 states and in four international countries. The company began in 2007 with the vision of Rick Schaden and funding by Consumer Capital Partners-the private equity firm that he and his father Richard own. By offering fresh, premium "smashed to order" burgers, chicken sandwiches, salads, signature side items and hand-spun Haagen-Dazs shakes, Smashburger has modernized the way people think about burgers. Known for localizing its menu in every market with regionally inspired burgers and side items and offering local craft beers, Smashburger has received numerous awards including topping Fast Casual's 2012 Top Mover & Shakers list, America's Most Promising Company by Forbes magazine, INC. 500's List of America's Fastest Growing Companies INC's #9 Hire Power Award winner, and is regularly voted "best burger' in cities all around the world. To learn more, visit www.smashburger.com.

About Consumer Capital Partners
Denver-based Consumer Capital Partners (CCP) is an innovative private investment and concept development firm focused on multi-unit retail businesses, primarily in the restaurant industry. CCP has deep experience in the fields of private equity, brand, concept and product development and strategic consulting. To learn more about CCP, please visit www.consumercp.com.

About Duke Children's Hospital & Health Center
Duke Children's Hospital & Health Center, located in Durham, N.C., is nationally ranked among the best in pediatric health care programs. Caring for children is our number one priority, from routine check-ups and immunizations to the treatment of life-threatening injuries and illnesses. At Duke Children's, we provide hope and the most advanced health care available. We offer innovative procedures including stem cell and bone marrow transplants as well as a variety of support services for our patients and their families. For more information please visit www.dukechildrens.org.

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