The Triangle Explorer

Smashburger Grand Opening – Wednesday March 12th!
If you’ve followed me on the blog for a while you have probably realized I have a fondness for great burgers. So I’m excited to share the news that Smashburger, the nation’s fastest growing “better burger” restaurant, is gearing up to open its very 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 Durham Smashburger location is being opened by local residents and area franchise owners Ketan and Jayshri Patel. The community is invited to come out for opening day, where they can be one of the first to taste the 100-percent Certified Angus Beef burger burgers, celebrate with fun onsite activities and help raise money for Duke Children’s Hospital & Health Center. (The Patel’s are donating 10 percent of total proceeds from opening day through Sunday, March 16 to the organization.)

The Food
Smashburger brings juicy burgers that are smashed fresh, served delicious, along with 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.

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.

The Smashburger Approach
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.

More Information
This is the first of several Smashburger restaurants the Patels will open in the Triangle area. I’ll be checking out this first location next week so check back for my review and more pictures of their menu items. Additional information on the timing and location future Triangle stores will be announced in the coming months. To learn more, visit www.smashburger.com and follow them at www.facebook.com/smashburger or on Twitter and Instagram.