SmashBurger to Join the Terminal B Expansion

SmashBurger is set to open a new location in the reimagined Terminal B at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) as part of a $2.5 billion expansion. According to a recently filed permit, the buildout for the tenant fitout for the new SmashBurger and the three additional tenants set to open at 3100 North Terminal Road is almost underway.

The permit details that the $3.5 million construction project is expected to start in mid-July and is slated to wrap up before the end of October this year. If all goes well with the renovations of the 9,647 square foot space, the four tenants should be open by this fall.

Baldi Management Group is behind the concessions tenant fitout and general access seating area. Tenant operators include Smash Burger, Protein Bar & Kitchen, Jersey Mike’s, and Katz Coffee. The four eateries are expected to take up spaces BNW 6, 7, 7B, and 7C.

What Now Houston reached out to BMG’s Karen Mirante to try to find out more details about the concessions build-out, but did not hear back by the time of this publication.

SmashBurger was founded in 2007 by Tom Ryan and Rick Schaden, along with the private equity firm Consumer Capital Partners. The first eatery opened in Denver, CO. Famous for its specialized process of searing and pressing “smashed” Angus beef burgers on a high-heat flattop grill to lock in the juices, SmashBurger has grown into a booming chain.

There are now more than 200 SmashBurger locations worldwide, with about 170 locations spanning 35 US states. There are currently a little less than 20 locations in Texas, with just four active locations within the city limits of Houston. The burger spot coming to the Houston airport will be a welcome addition to the booming burger scene in the region.

Helping the brand continue to enlarge its footprint is Rod Boyer, SVP Franchise Operations for SmashBurger. What Now Houston reached out to Boyer, but did not hear back by the time of this publication. Jim Sullivan is now the CEO of the growing brand, What Now Houston also reached out to Sullivan to find out more details about the expansion into the Houston airport, but did not hear back by the time of this publication.

“Using custom-forged burger smashers, we set forth to craft the best fast casual burgers, fries, and shakes on the planet (or at least in Denver). And boy, did the people respond. Clearly, we weren’t the only ones craving a better burger experience—our ravenous fans couldn’t get enough,” the SmashBurger website reads.

“Our rosemary SmashFries® were so good that we started receiving hate mail from customers who couldn’t stop devouring them! We are beyond grateful for our initial fans’ support. It has been an honor to grow from our first location to serve Smashburger lovers everywhere.”

But, SmashBurger isn’t only whipping up and dishing out its iconic and beloved good burgers; the brand also offers chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, salads, a variety of sides, shakes, kids’ meals, and more.

SmashBurger is anticipated to open in Terminal B inside the George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) at 3100 North Terminal Road by this fall.