America’s fastest growing, fast casual “better burger” restaurant, Smashburger, has opened its first restaurant location in Kuwait.

This restaurant, located at The Village, Abu Al Hasaniya, is the first of 23 franchise locations planned for the area by regional franchise partner, Georgetown Advisors, an independent, Kuwaiti-owned boutique commercial development firm specialising in culinary concepts.

To celebrate the opening, Smashburger will unveil its locally-inspired Kuwait burger to new SmashFans in the Middle East, something it does in each new market it enters in order to appeal to local taste profiles.

This smashed fresh, made-to-order, 100 per cent certified halal Angus beef local burger is topped with hot pepper cheese, hawaij grilled jalapenos, labneh, baby spinach, tomato and cucumber on a spicy chipotle bun.

Local customers can also enjoy Smashburger’s Kuwait Fries, a side of shoe string cut russet potatoes seasoned with hawaij spices and cilantro.

"We are very proud to announce the opening of our first international location in Kuwait as it represents an important milestone for the brand, demonstrating that there is a true global demand for what Smashburger offers: premium products in a convenient setting at an attractive price point," said Dave Prokupek, chairman and CEO of Smashburger.

"We’re also very excited to unveil our Kuwait Burger, which we believe provides a nice blend of local ingredients with what Smashburger is known for, our premium smashed fresh, served delicious burgers and our tender marinated grilled and crispy chicken sandwiches,” he said.

Yousef Al Essa, franchise owner, said: "We are proud to have our first location open and are looking forward to growing the Smashburger brand with additional openings in Kuwait and the rest of the Gulf over the coming few years."

Smashburger is a US-based restaurant brand that offers a variety of customised recipes featuring nationwide favourites, regionally inspired burgers and sides, and a ‘create your own’ model making for a truly enjoyable customised guest experience.

Each Smashburger starts with fresh, never frozen 100 per cent certified halal Angus beef that is smashed on a 400-degree flat grill to sear in the juicy flavor.

To further the “better burger” experience, the juicy burger is served on a toasted artisan bun and topped with a selection of the freshest produce, real cheeses, and highest-quality condiments.

Customers can also enjoy grilled and split hot dogs, and fresh tossed signature salads, along with a variety of irresistible sides including rosemary and garlic–seasoned Smashfries, fried pickles, haystack onions, and veggie frites (flash-fried and seasoned asparagus spears, carrot sticks and green beans).

The restaurant also serves a selection of beverages and hand-spun Häagen-Dazs shakes. – TradeArabia News Service