Smashburger president promoted to CEO role
A fast-causal hamburger chain has named its new chief executive.
Smashburger has promoted Jim Sullivan, who has served as president of the brand since February, to the role of CEO. The chain says Sullivan will spearhead strategy and oversee all operations of the business, with a focus on brand positioning and a return to category leadership and growth.
Prior to being named president of Smashburger, Sullivan served as chief development officer for nine months. Before joining the hamburger chain, he was chief development officer at Qdoba Mexican Eats for more than two and a half years and at CKE Restaurants for four years.
Sullivan has also held senior development roles at Friendly's Ice Cream, Modern Restaurant Concepts and American Hospitality Concepts.
"Jim brings decisive leadership, a clear vision, and a deep understanding of Smashburger's position in the market," said Richard CW Shin, CEO of Jollibee Group International, Smashburger’s parent company. "He has already laid the foundation for a more focused brand that is delivering better food, a stronger guest experience, and renewed momentum across the system. With Jim at the helm, I believe we are entering a new chapter of opportunity for Smashburger – one rooted in a strong guest connection, and a relentless drive to win."
As CEO, Smashburger says he will be focused on accelerating franchise development, with an emphasis on “high-impact, non-traditional growth” in venues such as airports and colleges and universities. Sullivan also aims to reinvest in the in-restaurant experience, according to the company, recognizing the physical store as a critical differentiator in the competitive restaurant category.
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"Smashburger modernized the technique of smashing burgers and we're reclaiming that leadership with intention and momentum," said Sullivan. "Our bold flavor, elevated guest experience, and operational discipline give us a distinct edge in a crowded space. With the strategic support of Jollibee Group, we are leveraging scale and operational flexibility to drive focused, capital-efficient growth. This is a brand built on craveable taste tailored to today's consumer and we're building it to perform over the long-term for our guests, our teams and our franchisees."
Headquartered in Denver, Smashburger operates 204 locations across 30 U.S. states and seven countries, with 121 corporate locations and 83 franchised.
