JFC expands Smashburger footprint

MANILA, Philippines — Smashburger has taken a bigger bite of the Big Apple, opening a new store in New York as Jollibee Foods Corp. widens the footprint of the casual burger chain in North America.

The newest store of Smashburger is in the Upper East Side at 804 Lexington Ave. in New York.

This is the second corporate Smashburger in the US to open with a full-service bar, a wide array of drinks, including signature cocktails.

The US-based fast casual burger restaurant has already opened eight new stores this year.

The move is part of the Jollibee Group’s aggressive expansion program in the region, which is consistent with its vision to become among the top five restaurant companies in the world.

Smashburger likewise expanded its products with a new line of chicken wings.

Carl Bachmann, president of Smashburger, said the company continues its efforts to strengthen its presence in the US and by elevating the quality of the store’s service and offerings.

“Smashburger is continuing its efforts to elevate the overall fast-casual dining experience with the opening of our second full bar restaurant in New York City,” he said.

“More and more diners are looking for a place they can socialize and eat out, and the Upper East Side and the surrounding community now have the opportunity to enjoy a high-quality burger with first-class cocktails and draft beers in a fun environment,” he added.

The Jollibee Group took full ownership of Smashburger in 2018.

It has been expanding in different parts of the globe, especially in the US, North America, China and the Philippines.