Smashburger Signs Texas Franchisee, Bringing a Better Burger to East Texas

Latest Franchise Agreement Adds 10 Restaurants to the Smashburger System,
Keeping the Company Well on Track to Meet Its Aggressive National Expansion
Goals
DENVER--(Business Wire)--
Smashburger, a fast-casual "better burger" restaurant concept launched and
funded with $15 million from private equity and concept development firm
Consumer Capital Partners (CCP), has secured its ninth franchisee, SB Sizzle,
Inc. The latest agreement brings the total number of Smashburger franchise
locations to 177.

The SB Sizzle agreement means Smashburger will have more than 75 restaurants in
Texas over the next five years, making Texas Smashburgers` largest market. With
a combination of corporate, franchise and joint venture partnerships,
Smashburger has created a strategy that allows the Denver-based company to grow
quickly without sacrificing quality or the guest experience.

"SB Sizzle has shown past success with several quick-service and fast-casual
restaurants, and its experience managing multi-unit franchises is exactly what
Smashburger is looking for in franchise partners," said Scott Crane, president
of Smashburger. "Smashburger has seen great success in Houston, proving that
people in Texas want a better burger. SB Sizzle will give Smashburger even more
reach in the market and bring a better burger to thousands across East Texas."

SB Sizzle has agreed to open 10 Smashburger restaurants in East Texas,
stretching from Tyler to Longview to Beaumont. SB Sizzle has looked at several
locations in the region and plans to open its first restaurant by the end of
2009. The remaining restaurants will open in 2010 and 2011.

"Texas is burger country, so when we learned about the Smashburger franchise
opportunity, we were excited to sign on," said David Weaver, director of
development of SB Sizzle. "Smashburger`s focus on growth and quality fit
perfectly with what SB Sizzle is trying to do. We know people living in East
Texas will respond in a big way to Smashburger`s unique concept."

The SB Sizzle team brings more than 50 years of restaurant experience and
currently owns and operates close to 40 popular multi-unit franchise restaurants
in Texas. The principals bring experience from several fast-casual and
quick-service concepts and have a keen understanding of the Texas market.

"Our ability to consistently sign strong franchisees like SB Sizzle speaks to
Smashburger`s solid concept and strong management team," said Dave Prokupek,
chairman of the board of Smashburger and managing partner and chief investment
officer of CCP. "Our team understands what consumers want, but we also know the
market and what makes a successful franchise relationship. Our franchisees will
help us expand Smashburger and bring a better burger to towns across the
country."

Named for the cooking method used to create the perfect burger, Smashburgers are
either a one-third or half-pound ball of beef smashed on a flat grill to sear in
superior juicy flavor. To further the "better burger" experience, Smashburgers
are served on a toasted artisan bun and topped with a selection of real cheeses,
the freshest produce and top-quality condiments. Tasty sides like Smashfries and
Veggie Frites, Smashchicken sandwiches, Smashdogs, Smash salads, Haagen Dazs
shakes and malts, and beer and wine round out the Smashburger menu.

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
(CCP), Smashburger has sold significant franchise agreements that assure
200-plus locations over the next five years. The franchise deals are part of
Smashburger`s national expansion plans to open 500 restaurants across the
country, with 30-60 of those scheduled for 2009. If you crave a better burger,
keep watching for Smashburger - coming to your community soon. To learn more
about building a better burger, please visit www.mysmashburger.com.

About Consumer Capital Partners

Denver-based Consumer Capital Partners (CCP) is an innovative private investment
and concept development firm focused on multi-unit retail businesses, primarily
in the restaurant, liquor, food, and leisure industries. CCP has deep experience
in the fields of private equity, brand, concept and product development, and
strategic consulting. To learn more about CCP, please visit www.consumercp.com.

Smashburger
Grace Markley, 917-549-3246
pr@mysmashburger.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009