Smash and Stack, a popular smashburger food truck located in Bonita, is planning to open its first brick-and-mortar location in Pacific Beach at 956 Garnet Avenue.
Chef Joel Bautista started the concept as a food truck but will soon open its first storefront, replacing Paraná Empanadas Argentinas, according to the company’s social media. The new Smash and Stack location is expected to open in Summer 2025. When Smash and Stack opens, customers can expect the same smashburgers, sides, and desserts currently offered at the food truck. The menu will likely include both single and double patty burgers, hand-cut fries, and unique desserts, such as their salted brown-butter cookies and vanilla ice cream.
Chef Joel Bautista, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of Barcelona, has worked at Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe and New York. He started Smash and Stack to bring high-quality comfort food to a wider audience, focusing on simple, flavorful smashburgers. With a commitment to quality ingredients and straightforward techniques, his burgers are designed to offer great taste without unnecessary complexity. Bautista’s goal is to make elevated, delicious burgers accessible to everyone.
This will be an excellent location for the company’s first brick-and-mortar. Pacific Beach is a vibrant neighborhood known for its beach scene and lively dining options. The area attracts both locals and tourists, providing a steady flow of potential customers. The location is centrally situated, making it easily accessible for people walking or driving through the area. It is also close to popular attractions, including the beach and nightlife spots, which will help draw in more foot traffic.
