Founded in 2007 by restaurant industry veterans Rick Schaden and Tom Ryan, Smashburger is a fast-service chain offering a menu based around "smashed" flattop-pressed ground chuck burgers. The chain previously had locations in La Jolla, East Village, Liberty Station, Mission Valley and Del Mar before closing all but an El Cajon outpost. In early 2014, the local franchisee that operated the six San Diego locations filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Philippine-based quick-service operator Jollibee Foods Corporation bought a 40% stake in the Smashburger parent company in 2015, and as of December 2018, Jollibee acquired 100% of the company. Smashburger currently has over 200 restaurant sited around the United States and Canada.
Smashburger is working on a new location to open within Westfield UTC Mall in La Jolla. Like other locations, expect a menu of beef burgers, as well as chicken, turkey and portobello sandwiches, and aside items like French fries, sweet potato fries, fried pickles and other items.
Smashburger is anticipated to open at 4577 La Jolla Village Drive, Suite #1233, within Westfield UTC mall in La Jolla by early 2023. For more information, visit smashburger.com.
