Sometime around 11:15 last Thursday morning, Brian Burrell stepped to the microphone and declared: “I love Atwood Avenue!”
Burrell, who is the District Manager for Smashburger Restaurants, mentioned the day’s stop and go traffic on Atwood Avenue as well as the quickly growing line of people who were awaiting the Grand Opening of Johnston’s newest eatery, which comes to town courtesy of Mohegan Holding Company in Uncasville, Conn.
There were many reasons why there was a waiting line outside the 2,500-square-foot restaurant that has dining room seating for 72 people with an additional outside patio in warmer months. As an example of what kind of community partner Smashburger plans on being, the first 50 people in line last Friday received a special coupon that entitles each holder to a free burger for a year.
Second, 20% of Opening Day sales went to the Johnston High School Student Council and as window signs read, Smashburger has a variety of fund-raising programs.
“Mohegan Holding Company’s partnership with Smashburger furthers our commitment for bringing the best products and services to market,” said Jeanette Ziegler, CFO of the Connecticut casino owned company. “Smashburger Johnston is a great addition to our continued business growth and we look forward to being part of this community.”
Once Ziegler, who like Burrell mentioned the high volume traffic on Atwood Avenue, finished her opening statement, Mayor Joseph Polisena told an overflow crowd that included Mohegan Holding Company and Smashburger corporate executives, “We’re happy you’re here in Johnston. When have businesses coming to town, it helps everyone.”
John Gregory, who serves as CEO/President of the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce, said, “You [Mohegan Holding Company] could have located anywhere; but you saw something you liked in Johnston.”
The first, Ziegler wanted it known, was Polisena who the Mohegan corporate executive emphasized “made it very easy for us to do business in Johnston.”
As Gregory noted, “Just two weeks ago Mohegan Holding Company had a grand opening/ribbon cutting right next door (at 1412) Atwood Avenue for Jersey Mike’s Subs.
At Smashburger, officials said, the secret is in the smash. It starts with 100 percent fresh, never frozen beef that is smashed on a 400-degree flat grill to seal in the juicy flavor. To further the “better way to burger” experience, the burgers are served on toasted artisan buns and topped with a selection of fresh produces, real cheeses and highest quality condiments.
As Burrell told Grand Opening attendees, they also buy from local food providers.
There’s yet another reason, Polisena said while sampling a Rhode Island Burger, which has Johnston officials excited about Smashburger’s opening.
“They are going to hire 41 people,” Polisena said with a smile on his face. “Now that’s really something to cheer about.”
The Johnston store is only the second such Smashburger to open in Rhode Island, the other being in the Trader Joe’s Plaza at 1000 Bald Hill Road in Warwick. Smashburger features a menu created with regional flavors and tastes in mind and as a tribute to the Ocean State there’s the RI Burger topped with RI relish, made locally by backyard Food Company, red onion, provolone, mayo, lettuce and Gulden’s spicy mustard all on an egg bun.
There are also signatures like the Triple Double Burger and as officials noted, “we encourage people to craft their own burgers and enjoy our fresh salads and sides, our shakes and malts and to also join the Smashclub and taste the benefits.
During last week’s post-opening, people were talking about the Haystack Onions and Pedal Sauce that several people mentioned will go nicely with a burger and beer. As is the case in Warwick, Smashburger serves beer while other locations have been licensed for wine, as well.
Smashburger is open 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information, please call the restaurant at 272-7801.
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