Can an Orlando franchise group target both local university/suburban sites and tourist corridors?

Yes. Many multi-unit operators pair steady local corridors like UCF/Waterford Lakes, SODO or Lake Nona with high-visibility hospitality plazas near Sand Lake Road and International Drive.

What minimum square footage does Nash & Smashed require in Orlando?

Full Restaurant spaces start at 1,600 square feet in inline or endcap shopping centers, while Express Units fit tighter urban, campus or entertainment-district pads.

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 Orlando, FL

Build in America's most visited metro and one of Florida's fastest-growing local economies — across UCF / Waterford Lakes, International Drive / Sand Lake, Millenia, SODO and Lake Nona.

National franchise overview · Florida franchise guide

Orlando gives franchise operators two giant economic engines in a single city. On the southwest I-4 corridor around International Drive, Sand Lake Road (Restaurant Row), Universal/Epic Universe and the Orange County Convention Center, tens of millions of annual visitors and hospitality employees dine out every day of the year. On the east side along University Boulevard and Alafaya Trail, the University of Central Florida (UCF) — one of the largest student bodies in the nation — anchors Waterford Lakes and Research Park.

Add booming master-planned communities in Lake Nona Medical City near MCO Airport, urban neighborhoods in SODO, Mills 50, Milk District and Colonial Drive (SR-50), plus Millenia/Conroy, and Orlando supports multi-unit growth across Full Restaurant, Express Unit and Food Truck formats.

Global tourism scale, nearly 70,000 UCF students and Lake Nona innovation

UCF Campus, University Boulevard, Alafaya Trail & Waterford Lakes: Nearly 70,000 university students, Central Florida Research Park tech workforce and regional open-air power centers.
International Drive, Sand Lake Road, Kirkman & Millenia (I-4 Southwest): Global theme-park corridor, convention hotels and tourist/local dining plazas with late-evening demand.
Lake Nona Medical City, Narcoossee Road & MCO Airport South (SR-417): Affluent master-planned neighborhoods, VA/Nemours medical campuses and USTA National Campus sports visitors.
Downtown Orlando, SODO (South Orange Ave) & Colonial Drive (SR-50): Orlando Health / AdventHealth hospital hubs and dense intown commuter retail strips.

Own a Nash & Smashed in Orlando, FL

Global tourism scale, nearly 70,000 UCF students and Lake Nona innovation

Orlando, FL concept guides & nearby markets