How close is Delaware to corporate training and field support?

Delaware sits directly next door to our Maryland operating footprint and within an easy drive of our corporate headquarters in Fairfax, Virginia — making hands-on site reviews and your 40-hour training schedule seamless.

Could one operator develop all three Delaware counties?

Yes. Because New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties connect directly down Route 1 and Route 13, Delaware is uniquely suited for either single-unit ownership or a statewide multi-unit development plan.

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.

Own a Nash & Smashed in Delaware

Expand immediately east of our Maryland core across Wilmington, Christiana, Newark, Middletown, Dover and the Delaware Beaches with 40 hours of training and 12 corporate support commitments.

National franchise overview

Bordering our active Maryland market along I-95 and US-40, Delaware is a natural next-door territory where commuters and beach travelers already recognize the Nash & Smashed name from neighboring Mid-Atlantic stores. Tax-free shopping draws millions of regional visitors to the Christiana/Route 1 corridor and Sussex County outlet plazas, while corporate offices in Wilmington, students in Newark and military families in Dover fuel dependable seven-day demand for Nashville-style sandwiches, fried chicken, smashed burgers, mocktails and cakes.

With a 1,600 sq ft minimum Full Restaurant footprint plus Express Unit and Food Truck options, Delaware operators can secure flagship bays in New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties. Owners complete 40 hours of training (6 classroom + 34 on the job) in nearby Maryland and Virginia and receive 12 corporate support commitments from site selection through ongoing operations.

Natural Mid-Atlantic expansion along I-95, Route 1 and Route 13

Wilmington, Concord Pike (US-202) & Riverfront: Corporate banking headquarters, healthcare campuses and affluent northern New Castle County retail strips along Concord Pike and Kirkwood Highway.
Christiana, Newark & Middletown Growth Corridor: Tax-free regional shopping traffic near I-95 / Route 1, University of Delaware's Main Street in Newark and booming family suburbs in Middletown.
Dover & Central Route 13 Corridor: State-capital offices, Dover Air Force Base, Delaware State University and regional shopping centers serving Kent County.
Coastal Sussex County (Rehoboth Beach, Lewes & Millsboro): Route 1 outlet centers, year-round retiree communities and packed Mid-Atlantic beach vacationers.

Own a Nash & Smashed in Delaware

Natural Mid-Atlantic expansion along I-95, Route 1 and Route 13

Delaware city & concept franchise guides