Smashburger opening in Hicksville
Irwin Kruger opens the first local Smashburger eatery, in Hicksville, on Feb. 2. (Jan. 31, 2012) Credit: Newsday/Audrey C. Tiernan
Get ready for the Smashburger. It's coming Thursday to Hicksville.
The Smashburger has nothing to do with smashmouth Super Bowl football. Smashburger is a new concept on Long Island, a fast-casual restaurant that will serve up hamburgers that are just what they sound like: smashed. They are one-third- or half-pound balls of fresh Angus beef that are smashed, seared and seasoned on the grill and served on a butter-toasted artisan bun.
The first location opens Thursday at 180 W. Old Country Rd.
Fast-food impresario Irwin Kruger, inventor of the McDonut a decade ago, says he plans to open up to 20 Smashburgers on the Island in the next few years.
Denver-based Smashburger, a nationwide chain, is owned by a private equity firm. The restaurants also serve smashchicken sandwiches, salads, shakes, beer and wine.
Kruger said he is waiting to get permits to open in Port Washington and Wantagh and is finalizing a deal for a store in Riverhead. Each store is expected to employ about 50 people.
"This is like gourmet hamburgers for the masses," he said.
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