Why is the Fitzsimons / CU Anschutz corridor attractive for a fast-casual franchise?

The CU Anschutz, UCHealth, Children's Hospital and VA medical campuses concentrate tens of thousands of daily employees, students and visitors who rely on fast, craveable lunch, shift-change dinner and delivery options.

What experience is required to own a Nash & Smashed in Aurora, CO?

No restaurant background is needed. Corporate provides 40 hours of training plus ongoing operational, supply-chain and marketing guidance.

What makes Nash & Smashed different from other fast-casual concepts?

Nash & Smashed stands out from other fast-casual concepts by seamlessly combining Nashville-Style Sandwiches, Fried Chicken, and Smashed Burgers in a unique, customizable menu format. The commitment to using high-quality ingredients sets the brand apart, ensuring exceptional quality in every dish. Additionally, the array of signature sauces enhances the flavor experience, allowing guests to tailor their meals to suit individual tastes. A strong focus on community engagement further distinguishes Nash & Smashed, as it actively supports local initiatives and fosters connections within the neighborhoods it serves.

What is the typical timeline from signing to opening a location?

The average timeline from signing a franchise agreement to the opening day is around 6-9 months. However, it's important to note that this process can take up to 6-8 months after site selection due to factors such as lease negotiations, permitting, construction, and training schedules.

Do I need restaurant experience to be a franchise owner?

While restaurant experience is beneficial, it's not required. We're looking for passionate entrepreneurs with strong business acumen, leadership skills, and dedication to customer service. Our comprehensive training program will teach you all aspects of operating a Nash & Smashed restaurant.

What store formats and space requirements does Nash & Smashed offer?

Franchise partners can apply for three distinct operating formats: a Full Restaurant, an Express Unit, or a Food Truck. Full inline and endcap restaurant locations require a minimum footprint of 1,600 square feet, while Express Units are engineered for compact urban storefronts, college corridors, and high-foot-traffic retail centers.

What training and corporate support do franchise owners receive?

Every franchise owner completes 40 hours of structured training — 6 hours in the classroom and 34 hours on the job — covering kitchen execution, inventory systems, staffing, and day-to-day leadership. Beyond initial training, our corporate team delivers 12 pre-opening and post-opening support commitments spanning site selection, architectural layout, vendor onboarding, grand-opening marketing, and ongoing field operations.

How do I receive investment details and explore financing options?

Complete startup costs, fee structures, and itemized investment tables are provided in our Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and franchise brochure after you submit an initial inquiry. Prospective franchise owners commonly explore SBA 7(a) loans, Rollovers as Business Startups (ROBS 401(k) rollovers), and Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOC) with their financial advisors.

Where does Nash & Smashed currently operate and where can I open a location?

Nash & Smashed serves guests across Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C., North Carolina, South Carolina, New York, and Canberra, Australia, with active franchise expansion across the East Coast and adjacent metropolitan corridors.

Bring Nash & Smashed to Aurora, CO

Serve Colorado's third-largest city — spanning the CU Anschutz Medical Campus on I-225, Havana Street's global dining corridor, Town Center at Aurora and Southeast Aurora's Southlands.

National franchise overview · Colorado franchise guide

Aurora stretches along I-225, I-70 and E-470 on the eastern side of Metro Denver, combining over 400,000 residents with major institutional anchors led by the CU Anschutz Medical Campus, UCHealth, Children's Hospital Colorado, the VA Medical Center and Buckley Space Force Base. Havana Street already serves as one of the Front Range's most vibrant international dining corridors, while Parker Road, Arapahoe Corner and Southlands anchor affluent Southeast Aurora.

Aurora's diverse families, medical shift workers and airport-corridor workforce create all-day demand for bold Nashville-style chicken, smashed burgers, zero-proof mocktails and cakes across 1,600+ sq ft shopping-center storefronts.

Medical-center employment, Buckley Space Force Base and E-470 family growth

Fitzsimons & CU Anschutz Medical Campus (Colfax Ave & I-225): Tens of thousands of physicians, nurses, students and researchers driving round-the-clock dining and delivery.
Southlands, Smoky Hill Road & E-470 / Gartrell Corridor (Southeast Aurora): High-income family subdivisions in Cherry Creek School District anchored by open-air lifestyle retail.
Havana Street, Town Center at Aurora & Parker Road (I-225 Spine): High-traffic commuter retail plazas and global culinary destination serving central Aurora.

Bring Nash & Smashed to Aurora, CO

Medical-center employment, Buckley Space Force Base and E-470 family growth

Aurora, CO concept guides & nearby markets