Smashburger introduces a streamlined summer menu
The fast-casual burger chain’s summer limited-time offers have been pared down to ensure better operations. But it does have a new pickle burger.
July 7, 2026
Smashburger has released a pared-down selection of limited-time offers for the summer, including a new burger featuring two layers of pickles.
The Pickle Stack Smash features American cheese, a double layer of dill pickles, mustard, and mayo on a butter-toasted bun. It will be featured on the chain’s $4.99 All-The-Time value menu.
The chain is also bringing back its Smoked Brisket Bacon Smash, featuring cheddar, smoked brisket, bacon, and barbecue sauce on a butter-toasted Parker House roll.
The Denver-based chain is also introducing a pair of shakes, including a Chocolate Banana Chip Shake with banana puree, chocolate sauce, and chocolate chips. There is also a Dark Cherry Chip Shake featuring dark cherries and chocolate chips.
The pared-down list of offers is part of a deliberate strategy by the 178-unit chain to improve operations by avoiding a glut of new menu items. “Taste is our core identity and competitive edge, and this summer lineup reflects exactly that commitment,” Jim Sullivan, CEO of Smashburger, said in a statement.
“We’ve made a deliberate decision to do fewer things, executed at the highest level,” he said. “Simplifying our seasonal menu is a critical lever for operational excellence, which means faster, more consistent execution in our restaurants and a better guest experience in every visit. Our guests want bold flavor and real value, and a tighter, better-executed lineup is how we deliver both.”
Smashburger has struggled in recent years. System sales have declined 21% over the past three years. Much of that is due to closed restaurants: The company has shuttered nearly one out of every five of its locations globally. It has gone through a number of executives and company logos in the process.
Sullivan was named CEO last year and the company, which is owned by the Jollibee Corp., has worked to solidify its branding and operations. It added a new value menu to lure price-conscious customers and says there are 12 new restaurants planned this year. But the chain also leans heavily on the menu development of its cofounder, Tom Ryan.
And even as they keep their new menu offerings more curated than they had in the past, company executives still believe that development is crucial to the brand’s DNA. “Smashburger is a brand built on craveability and craftsmanship,” Kate Savelli, the chain’s chief marketing officer, said in a statement.
“Our guests told us loud and clear how much they missed the Smoked Brisket Bacon Smash, so bringing back this fan-favorite was an obvious move. But innovation is crucial, and we’re excited to launch the Pickle Stack Smash, which taps into one of the biggest flavor trends of the year.”
About the Author
Jonathan Maze
Editor in Chief, Restaurant Business
Restaurant Business Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Maze is a longtime industry journalist who writes about restaurant finance, mergers and acquisitions and the economy, with a particular focus on quick-service restaurants. He writes daily about the factors influencing the operating environment, including labor and food costs and various industry trends such as technology and delivery.
Content Spotlight
The Technomic Top 500: Another tough year for chain restaurants
Top 500 chain restaurant sales slowed again in 2025 as consumers cut back on dining, but sectors like coffee, beverages and snacks and chicken thrived
Featured
Jul 2, 2026
Jun 25, 2026
Recent News
Content Spotlight
Get to know Rick Cardenas, the Darden CEO who started there as a busser
The executive shares his advice, along with his most-binged TV show, favorite sports team, and most-used app
Source: This story originated with Nation's Restaurant News.
View Original Article →