Smashburger is expanding its presence in the Middle East. The rapidly expanding better-burger restaurant announced a new partnership with Pearll Investments LLC to grow the brand in Qatar and United Arab Emirates, including Dubai and Doha, with 26 restaurants planned to open over the next several years. Twenty-two of the 26 units will open in United Arab Emirates and the remaining four restaurants will open in Qatar. The new agreement continues the rapid global expansion for the brand. UAE and Qatar operations will join Smashburger operations underway in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, as well as new restaurants in the United Kingdom and Egypt coming later this year. "Smashburger's international expansion has really taken off and we're excited to be adding United Arab Emirates and Qatar to our portfolio of international countries," says Scott Crane, president and CEO of Smashburger. "Our new franchise partners are experienced restaurant operators, and we're confident they will help us grow the brand throughout this part of the region. Dubai in particular is an attractive destination for people all across the world, and we're looking forward to bringing our made-to-order, hand-crafted burgers to a community that is experiencing growth and high traffic visibility year around." Pearll Investments LLC, and its sister company Leemaar Investment, are owned by Mr. Saif who owns and operates a multitude of restaurant companies in the Middle East and across the globe. The group has substantial experience in running successful brands across the globe, including restaurants located in the United States. The group was looking to grow its restaurant portfolio by partnering with a fast-casual partner and chose Smashburger for its menu diversity and upscale guest experience. "Despite there being an ample number of fast-casual restaurants in this region, the industry has yet to reach its potential in United Arab Emirates and Qatar and we feel there is a huge opportunity for brands such as Smashburger," says Abdel Hameed, chairman of Pearll Investments. "Due to its focus on quality, taste, and wholesome ingredients, we are certain Smashburger will be a success and we look forward to bringing the fresh, smashed-to-order concept to the Arabic community and replicating the success of the brand internationally." Smashburger has plans to open an additional 60–80 restaurants in 2016 including expansion across the globe and into new markets in the United States. The brand currently operates over 355 restaurants across the United States, Kuwait, Canada, El Salvador, Panama, Costa Rica, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. Smashburger is actively seeking partners to spread the global appetite for America's favorite food internationally in Europe, Asia, South America, and beyond. Smashburger is also seeking additional partners to help grow the presence in new markets in the United States.

Smashburger is smashing its way to Egypt. The critically acclaimed fast-casual, better-burger restaurant with fresh, smashed-to-order burgers, is excited to announce that it has added the Pearll Investment Group as a new franchise partner in Egypt. This is Smashburger’s initial entry into Egypt, with 25 restaurants expected to open over the next several years. The launch of Smashburger in Egypt will expand the brand footprint to nine countries. Smashburger offers a diverse menu featuring quality, fresh, smashed-to-order burgers that are seared and seasoned on the grill to lock-in natural juices. The menu features innovative burger combinations, or guests can create their own burger or chicken sandwich, customizing the bun, sauces, toppings, and cheese. Customers can pair burgers with irresistible sides, like seasoned fries with rosemary, olive oil, and garlic, haystack onions, or fried pickles, or indulge in a wide variety of additional menu items, like fresh salads, premium handspun Häagen-Dazs shakes and craft beer, all at a great value. “We are absolutely thrilled to bring our first Smashburger to Egypt. Mr. Saif Jaffar Alketbi and Mr. Abdel Hameed Mostafa Ahmed will be valuable members of the Smashburger team, especially with their extensive operations experience,” says Scott Crane, CEO of Smashburger. “The Egypt communities are experiencing explosive growth and are perfect targets for our brand. We feel confident the local community will embrace our customized, hand-crafted burgers." Currently owning more than 10 chain-restaurants in the region, Pearll Investment Group brings extensive restaurant management and operations experience to the table and will be funding the growth of the Smashburger operation in Egypt. Smashburger restaurants in Egypt will be led by Abdel Hameed Mostafa Ahmed, who has 10 years of experience in the fast casual industry. Smashburger will be Pearll Investment Group’s latest addition to the better burger landscape in the Egypt. “The fast casual dining market has yet to reach its potential in Egypt and there is a huge opportunity for brands such as Smashburger,” Abdel says. “Due to its focus on quality and taste, we are certain Smashburger will be a success and we look forward to bringing the fresh, smashed to order concept to Egypt and replicating the success of the brand internationally.” Since January this year, Smashburger has added approximately 65 new restaurants and has seen 22 percent new unit growth. Across the United States, Kuwait, Canada, El Salvador, Panama, Costa Rica, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia, there are currently more than 330 total units. Smashburger is actively seeking partners to spread the global appetite for America’s favorite food internationally in Europe, Asia, South America, and beyond.