Smashing…simply smashing…
I think it’s best that we get this out of way first and foremost. Yes. This is a post about a burger joint. Yes. Atlanta already has an overabundance of said burger joints. Yes. The burger trend is saturated with no signs of slowing down. Ok. Now that that’s out of the way, ask us do we care that another burger joint is after our hearts and beloved cholesterol count? Not in the least.
I can’t lie though. New burger restaurants popping up in Atlanta are about as common as interstate construction during rush hour traffic. Why oh why do they do that?! But I digress. Enter Smashburger, the new kid in the school in the Atlanta burger scene. But Smashburger isn’t some foreign exchange student without a clue. No sir. Consider Smashburger the cool new kid in school that just transferred in. It’s mysterious and brash with a hefty reputation that precedes itself from its past journeys. Teen angst metaphors aside, with over 100 locations nationwide, Smashburger is now open in Atlanta and is ready to “smash” the competition.
We were privy to a sneak peek of the Atlanta operation earlier this week hosted by our great friends at Melissa Libby & Associates. The space may seem familiar, as it was the location that housed the former Fatburger on the corner of Sidney Marcus and Piedmont. While there with blogger buddies Atlanta Dish, ATL Events, Bon Vivant, Atlanta Moms on the Move, and ATL Belle, we had the opportunity to pick the brain of Smashburger Founder Tom Ryan as well as receive vital coaching in the proper techniques to creating a true smashburger.
It all starts with the meat. Smashburger prides itself in using only 100% Certified Angus Beef. The name “smashburger” comes from the method in which the burgers are prepared. Balls of meat lightly doused with proprietary seasoning are placed on a buttered griddle and smashed down with such enormous force that it forms the perfect patty. This creates the essential sear and crust that locks in the flavor and keeps the burger moist and juicy. It is then up to your imagination on how you dress your burger, and believe us when we say that the possibilities are endless. You choose the bun, cheese, toppings, and sauces that will create your burger Picasso.
If you’re feeling less creative, you can opt for one of the speciality menu smashburgers. Unique to every city is a burger made specially to celebrate the regional tastes and influences of the food culture. Ours is the Atlanta Smashburger adorned with peach barbecue sauce, Wicked Pimena cheese, grilled jalapeños, and Vidalia coleslaw on an egg bun. You need this. To accompany your burger, the SmashFries are a joy tossed in rosemary, olive oil, and garlic. But Smashburger isn’t just a one trick pony. They also serve up 100% Angus Beef hot dogs, veggie burgers, salads, chicken sandwiches, and Häagen-Dazs milkshakes.
All in all, Smashburger is a welcome concept to the ever-growing Atlanta burger scene. At a moderate price point for a superior burger (average $8-12 for a burger, fries, and drink), it’s a heavy contender to compete amongst the Grindhouses and Yeah! Burgers of our city. Tom sums up his vision as, “Building a concept that puts great tasting burgers with added value back in people’s lives.” Whether we like it or not, the burger is a cultural icon and has far surpassed being labeled a trend. It’s not going anywhere anytime soon so it’s best that we just stick around and enjoy the ride.
Smashburger | 2625 Piedmont Road NE | Atlanta, GA 30324 | Twitter | Facebook
