Wednesday, August 21, 2013

SMASHBURGER TO OPEN SEPTEMBER 25 IN BETHESDA (PHOTO)

New fast-casual restaurant Smashburger will open its long-awaited downtown Bethesda location on September 25, a company spokeswoman said yesterday.

Smashburger will be located in the Norfolk-Cordell II building at the corner of, well, Norfolk and Cordell Avenues. Another dining newcomer, Roof, will open in the building's rooftop patio level this fall, as well. The Steven J. Karr-designed structure is in the final phase of construction now.

Ironically, USA Today had an in-depth article on Smashburger on Monday, with the most detail on the chain's philosophy and future plans I have read.

After reading they've just added a peanut butter milkshake to their menu, I'm now looking forward to the grand opening even more.

2 comments:

Richard said...

Nice post. This is very interesting - two blocks from the flagship BGR, and on the other side of the Great Divide (Old Georgetown) from Kraze and Five Guys - both of whom benefit from arguably better foot traffic.

I personally can't eat burgers more than once a week. I love 'em - God I do - but it's not healthy. Do you suppose they'll be able to sustain a dinner business to keep them afloat?

Robert Dyer said...

Given that many people today are, like you, being more health conscious, I would expect that each of these burger places will have to work harder to get market share among burger lovers. Which should benefit the consumer. I also remember reading that Smashburger has some healthy menu items. I'm wondering if having Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin Robbins in the same building will be competition for desserts, or if Smashburger will benefit from people who will put together a dinner from each place (i. e. a burger from Smashburger, followed by ice cream from BR).