Smashburger has added five new franchise partners to its family of better burger franchisees, totaling a combined commitment for 19 new franchise units across the United States. These most recent franchise agreements bring Smashburger’s total active franchise pipeline to approximately 300 locations, which are expected to open over the next several years, according to a company press release. The new deals also allow Smashburger to make its debut in three new markets, further expanding its growing national footprint as it looks to reach all 50 states.

Additionally, Smashburger has entered into an agreement to acquire a 75-percent stake in 13 restaurants currently owned and operated by franchise partner Scott Gillman of Mascott Corporation in the state of New Jersey. This year’s growth, combined with the acquisition, will move its system-wide corporate and franchised breakdown closer to its goal of 60 percent company owned and 40 percent franchised locations. Gillman, who has been a Smashburger Franchisee of the Year, will continue to be actively involved in the growth of Smashburger in New Jersey. Smashburger’s stake in these select high performing restaurants will allow the company to accelerate its growth in the market and is part of the company’s corporate development strategy on the East Coast, coming on the heels of its corporate entrance into the Washington, D.C. market, said Dave Prokupek, chairman and CEO of Smashburger.

“New Jersey and the entire East Coast markets are very attractive to us from a corporate and franchise perspective and we believe there is considerable opportunity to expand our footprint here over time,” he said.

Each of Smashburger’s new franchise partners possesses deep restaurant operations and management experience, Prokupek said. Smashburger has signed the following franchise deals:

Tallahassee, Fla.: David Walker and Kerry Nohle of Sizzle Adventures will debut the first Smashburger restaurants in Tallahassee and open four locations in the northern Florida area over the next few years. The two partners are former operators of Tropical Smoothie, Subway and Marco’s Pizza restaurant franchisees.

Charleston, S.C.: Josh Snyder of Low Country Burgers will open the first unit in Charleston and three new restaurants in the area over the next couple years. Snyder is also an operator of a Moe’s Southwest Grill franchise.

Salt Lake City: Husband and wife team Mark & Chris Beck-McKay of McKay Management will expand the brand’s operations in Utah by opening six new restaurants in Salt Lake City over the next few years. Local operator Chris Beck-Mckay is a former McDonald’s franchise veteran.

Colorado Springs, Colo.: Husband and wife team Lucas & Allyson Farnham of Better Burger Builders will open three new restaurants in Colorado Springs over the next few years. The couple also operates restaurants under the Black Bear Diner brand.

Ventura County, Calif.: Father and son duo Ron and Ryan Hunter plan to open three new restaurants in Ventura County over the next few years. Local operator Ryan Hunter is also a Culinary Institute of America-trained executive chef.

Smashburger remains on track to grow its unit count by approximately 30 percent in 2013, and plans to open an additional 30 to 40 restaurants in the balance of 2013, putting its year-end target at approximately 250 locations globally, Prokupek said. The chain’s goal is to become the No. 1 global “better burger” brand with 500 restaurants globally in the next few years. The company continues to seek qualified franchise partners to expand into top DMA markets in new states domestically and in international markets including Canada, South America, the United Kingdom and South East Asia.