Smashburger Hires Max Sheets as VP of Real Estate

By: Smashburger | 2 Shares 160 Reads

Innovative Better Burger Concept Brings on Board Industry Veteran with Over 20 Years of Experience to Help Grow National Footprint

DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Smashburger, a fast-casual "better burger" concept recently launched and funded with $15 million by private equity and concept development firm Consumer Capital Partners (CCP), today announced the appointment of Max Sheets as Vice President of Real Estate. Further preparing Smashburger for national expansion, the appointment follows the recent hire of Greg Creighton as Regional Vice President.

Sheets brings over 20 years of experience in restaurant specific construction and real estate development to Smashburger. Prior to joining the Smashburger team, Sheets spent six years as Vice President of Real Estate and Development for Atlanta-based Ted's Montana Grill. In addition, Sheets has executive level experience with a number of high-growth restaurant concepts such as Del Frisco's Fine Dining Steakhouse, Lone Star Steakhouse and Saloon, Sullivans Steakhouse, BD's Mongolian BBQ, Fox and Hound Pub, and Firebird's Rocky Mountain Grill. While serving in these various roles, Sheets oversaw the selection, development and construction of several hundred new restaurant sites.

"Given Smashburger's near-term plans for national expansion, we required a seasoned real estate and development professional to identify the opportunities that can be uncovered in a rapidly shifting retail landscape," said David Prokupek, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer of CCP. "With his extensive background in large chain restaurant roll-outs, Max has the national perspective and track record of fast-paced development that can support Smashburger's growth moving forward."

"Smashburger has the food, service and value proposition to achieve our goal of becoming America's top choice for a better burger, but there is no doubt that real estate development and site selection will be critical components of our growth moving forward," said Scott Crane, President of Smashburger. "We welcome Max to the team and we look forward to bringing Smashburger to hungry burger-lovers all over the U.S. in the next few years."

About Smashburger

Headquartered in Denver, Colo., Smashburger is an innovative fast-casual restaurant concept featuring "the best burgers you ever tasted." Developed and owned by private equity and concept development firm Consumer Capital Partners, Smashburger intends to expand to 10-15 restaurants by the end of 2008 and another 30-60 corporate stores in 2009 on its way to becoming the national better burger leader. There are currently seven restaurants located in the Colorado area. If you crave a better burger, keep watching for Smashburger--coming to your community soon!

About Consumer Capital Partners

Headquartered in Denver, Colo., Consumer Capital Partners is an innovative private investment, concept development and strategic advisory firm focused on multi-unit retail businesses, primarily in the restaurant, liquor, food and leisure industries. Consumer Capital Partners has deep experience in the fields of private equity, brand, concept and product development, and strategic consulting.

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