Smash Burger Chains Go National (2010s)
The smash burger format - thin patties seared on a flat-top - spread across American cities as chains like New York's Shake Shack (grown from a 2001 Madison Square Park cart) and Denver's Smashburger (founded 2007) opened dozens of locations. The style became a staple of fast-casual dining.
Smash burger chains proliferated in dense urban markets, competing with established fast-food brands.
The format became a default for new burger brands, lowering the barrier for regional chains to expand.
7th Street Burger is part of this wave, using the same NYC-origin, multi-city playbook that made Shake Shack a household name.
