CNBC: Tom Ryan Shares 4 Secrets of Smashburger’s Double-Decker Growth

Smashburger is smashing their way through the better burger category. The smashing technique the brand uses results in better flavor and puts a unique spin on the fast-casual burger concept. According to a recent CNBC article, customers are loving it as Smashburger has opened 380 restaurants in 38 states and nine countries since launching seven years ago in Denver, Colorado.

"Entrepreneurship is a way of thinking about the landscape and its potential to change. And then going after that full tilt," said chief brand officer, Tom Ryan. Ryan didn’t open Smashburger on a whim. He studied food science receiving his bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degress in flavor and fragrance chemistry, and previously was employed with Quiznos, McDonald’s, and Pizza Hut. The man behind the stuffed crust pizza at Pizza Hut, his team also produced may other favorites including the McFlurry and the Dollar Menu.

With such success, it makes everyone wonder what is the guiding force behind all of it. The first tip—take a product that is already popular and make it better. The hamburger is not going away in American dining, but Ryan saw improvements that could be made for the mass market.

Second, if you want to make a large impact, you need to think about a product that affects a lot of people. The fast food industry reached a large number of people on a daily basis, and while tastes may change, you can adapt with the industry.

When building a company, surround yourself with people that have a mix of experience. "One of the things I credit Smashburger in general as a culture is that we are a mix of wise, tenured individuals ... and we combine ourselves with what I call the 'immortals,' young people in their 20s and 30s who are just dying to get involved in something that they can become passionate about. And I think it's that combination inside our company that is one of the special and magic reasons Smashburger has been able to do what it has been able to do," says Ryan.

Click here to read the full article.