• by Teresa Buyikian , February 15, 2024

Even vegetarians can now get a “smashburger” with all the smashing, just none of the meat (the chain touts a “smashing technique to create a mouthwatering caramelized, crispy sear”).  Smashburger is partnering with Jack & Annie’s to offer a plant-based burger in all 235 locations nationwide.

The nationwide expansion of the vegetarian offering is the result of the success of a limited-time menu test conducted last summer within select Smashburger locations in Colorado, New York, New Jersey, and Chicago.

The plant-based burger by Jack & Annie’s is made from made from jackfruit, which according to the company is “nature's meatiest plant and an underutilized crop.” It also has 47% less fat than that of a traditional beef burger patty. The new offering has American cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, pickles, Smash Sauce and ketchup on a toasted bun. The plant-based burger can also be substituted for any of Smashburger's Signature Burgers, single or double.

"Plant-based alternatives have continued to show up on menus throughout the industry, so making sure we offer more diverse and plant-forward options was the natural transition to expand our menu," said Smashburger Chief Restaurant Support Officer Eric Marcoux. "Once we connected with jack & annie's, we knew it was the right fit with our mutual Colorado ties and shared food philosophy."

Jack and annie’s products are available in more than 5000 retail locations across the country, but the partnership with Smashburger marks the first time the company’s product has been made available at a fast-casual restaurant.