Smashburger's Strategic Comeback: A Conversation with Tom Ryan and Jim Sullivan

Smashburger founder Tom Ryan and CEO Jim Sullivan join Fast Casual Nation to reveal their bold strategy to reclaim the brand's position in the better burger category. Discover how their new "Belief is in the bite" philosophy, innovative $4.99 value platform, and surprise Big Dog success are driving a comeback story. Plus, learn about their aggressive five-year plan to grow from 200 to over 1,000 locations through strategic franchising and non-traditional venues. This conversation explores menu innovation, operational excellence, and why they believe the QSR guys can't compete on quality and fast casual brands can't compete on their price. ~This episode is brought to you by KRAFT Philadelphia Cream Cheese~ Visit https://bit.ly/Kraft-FCN #Smashburger #FastCasual #RestaurantIndustry 00:00 – Intro and guests 01:20 – Smashburger’s new flavor-focused rebrand 04:20 – CEO Jim Sullivan and Tom Ryan join 06:10 – Smashburger history and product philosophy 07:05 – Rebuilding brand identity and premium position 08:10 – Fast innovation: LTOs and Big Dogs 09:20 – Value platform at $4.99 10:15 – Premium lineup and loaded sides 12:00 – “Belief is in the bite” brand strategy 13:20 – New logo, colors and store identity 17:15 – Growth goals and expansion plans Get Your Podcast Now! Are you a hospitality or restaurant industry leader looking to amplify your voice and establish yourself as a thought leader? Look no further than SavorFM, the premier podcast platform designed exclusively for hospitality visionaries like you. Take the next step in your industry leadership journey – visit https://www.savor.fm/ Capital & Advisory: Are you a fast-casual restaurant startup or a technology innovator in the food service industry? Don't miss out on the opportunity to tap into decades of expertise. Reach out to Savor Capital & Advisory now to explore how their seasoned professionals can propel your business forward. Discover if you're eligible to leverage our unparalleled knowledge in food service branding and technology and take your venture to new heights. Don't wait – amplify your voice or supercharge your startup's growth today with Savor's ecosystem of industry-leading platforms and advisory services. Visit https://www.savor.fm/capital-advisory