Does a Sarasota territory conversation include University Parkway and Lakewood Ranch?

Yes. When you inquire for Sarasota and Florida's Suncoast, our team reviews open trade areas across Sarasota, University Parkway / UTC and neighboring Lakewood Ranch / Manatee corridors.

What training and launch timeline should Sarasota applicants expect?

Franchisees complete 40 hours of classroom and in-restaurant training, with typical buildouts averaging 6 to 9 months from signing to grand opening.

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 Sarasota, FL

Serve Florida's Suncoast across University Town Center (UTC), Lakewood Ranch / Fruitville Road, Downtown Sarasota and Siesta Key's Tamiami Trail gateways.

National franchise overview · Florida franchise guide

At the border of Sarasota and Manatee counties along I-75 and University Parkway, the University Town Center (UTC) district and adjacent Lakewood Ranch — consistently the top-selling multi-generational master-planned community in the United States — form one of the Gulf Coast's premier fast-casual growth engines, bolstered by Nathan Benderson Park regattas and youth tournaments.

West toward the bay along Fruitville Road, Bee Ridge Road, Clark Road and Tamiami Trail (US-41), Sarasota combines walkable Downtown Main Street / Rosemary District blocks, Ringling College and USF Sarasota-Manatee students, Sarasota Memorial Hospital's massive medical campus, and year-round Siesta Key beach vacationers.

University Town Center, Lakewood Ranch rooftops and Suncoast tourism

University Parkway, UTC District & Lakewood Ranch Gateway (I-75 North): Super-regional shopping destination, corporate parks and booming Lakewood Ranch Waterside / Main Street family traffic.
Downtown Sarasota, Rosemary District, US-41 North & Sarasota Memorial Hospital: Major healthcare employment, Ringling College campus blocks and luxury downtown residential infill.
South Tamiami Trail (US-41), Stickney Point, Bee Ridge & Fruitville East: Siesta Key beach access gateways and established grocery-anchored plazas serving central and south Sarasota families.

Own a Nash & Smashed in Sarasota, FL

University Town Center, Lakewood Ranch rooftops and Suncoast tourism

Sarasota, FL concept guides & nearby markets