A local couple has announced their plans to open Colorado Springs’ third Smashburger restaurant in Colorado Springs this September. The first two stores in the Springs are owned by the Smashburger corporation; this will be the first locally owned franchise.

Lucas and Allyson Farnham, who opened a Black Bear Diner franchise in the Springs in 2011, plan to open the area’s first Smashburger franchise Sept. 4 at Shops at the Bluff near the intersection of Austin Bluffs and Academy.

The couple is also planning to start up two more franchise locations of the nationally successful “better burger” chain within the next two years, according to a news release.

The location at 3604 Austin Bluffs Parkway #140 will open at 10 a.m. Wednesday and feature an “all new design,” according to the release.

Smashburger not only serves its signature beef patties, but a variety of different sandwiches, salads and sides. The restaurant will also offer New Belgium craft beers.

“As Forbes #1 Most Promising Company and INC’s Top 100 Fastest Growing Companies, Smashburger was the perfect company to expand in the Colorado Springs area,” Lucas Farnham said in the release. “We crave the food and love the environment at Smashburger. The decision for us to partner as franchise owners was a clear fit.”

Since its inception in 2007, Smashburger has grown to operate around 200 corporate locations in 29 states and in four countries

“I look forward to working with Lucas and Allyson Farnham and growing the Smashburger brand in the Colorado Springs area,” said Smashburger Chairman and CEO David Prokupek in the release.