'More flavor per burger and more savor per bite': Smashburger opens Uptown Houston location

Beneath the shadow of the Williams Tower and some of the Uptown Houston skyline sits Denver-based fast casual chain Smashburger’s newest location in Texas’ largest city.

The Smashburger at 5102 Richmond Ave. brings the number of the company’s franchises in Houston to 10, and as the successor to what was a bank in the Galleria area, the eatery looks to capitalize on the city’s fast-growing love for a burger that’s simply a departure from what people are accustomed to at the likes of Whataburger and In-N-Out.

No one could be blamed for wondering aloud what a smash burger is or even assuming it’s just another food fad like the cronut or avocado toast. 

According to the Smashburger corporate website, the restaurant utilizes a culinary process that utilizes caramelization that brings crispiness to every burger’s edges. 

“Topped with fresh, bold ingredients, you’re getting more flavor per burger and more savor per bite,” the company declared on the website.

Smashburger’s mouthwatering roster of signature burgers includes the Classic Smash Burger, the Colorado Burger, the Smoked Bacon Brisket Burger, the Bacon Smash Burger, the Avocado Bacon Club Burger, the BBQ Bacon Cheddar Burger and the Truffle Mushroom Swiss Burger.

Diners who aren’t keen on burgers – there’s also turkey burgers, plant-based burgers and black bean burgers – can have their pick from the eatery’s grilled chicken sandwiches, chicken wings and salads.

Meals can be topped off with a milkshake, with 10 to choose from.

Smashburger President Carl Bachmann told Houston hot adult contemporary (AC) radio station KODA that his company is proud of its success in the Lone Star State, with the Richmond branch having the distinction of being home to its first virtual drive-thru. 

A Smashburger-issued press release said customers can order online or via its app and then go through a designated parking lane where a team member will hand them their food. 

“We know Houstonians will love the convenience and efficient service of our first-ever virtual drive-thru, which lets them speed through pickup and get to their better burger experience faster than ever,” Bachmann told KODA.