Can an Athens franchise operate near UGA in a compact footprint?

Yes. Our Express Unit format is engineered for walkable college-town storefronts with high counter and delivery volume, while 1,600+ sq ft Full Restaurants fit Epps Bridge and Atlanta Highway shopping centers.

Does Athens have open territory availability today?

Yes. Athens and surrounding Clarke and Oconee county corridors are open for new franchise inquiries along our Georgia expansion path.

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 Athens, GA

Tap SEC college-town energy and Northeast Georgia suburban growth — serving cooked-to-order fried chicken, smashed burgers, Nashville-style sandwiches, mocktails and cakes from Downtown UGA to Epps Bridge.

National franchise overview · Georgia franchise guide

Home to the University of Georgia's flagship campus, Athens pairs concentrated student walk-up and late-night delivery demand around Broad Street, Baxter Street and Five Points with thriving family retail hubs across Clarke and Oconee counties along US-78, SR-316 and the SR-10 Loop.

With Piedmont Athens Regional and St. Mary's Health Care System anchoring year-round employment along Prince Avenue and Epps Bridge, Athens avoids single-season slowdowns while surging on game weekends. Our 1,600 sq ft Full Restaurant, Express Unit and Food Truck models let franchisees match downtown storefronts or suburban plazas.

SEC campus foot traffic meets Clarke and Oconee county retail

Downtown Athens, Broad Street & Baxter Street (UGA Core): High-density student housing, academic buildings and late-evening dining blocks built for Express Units and compact storefronts.
Epps Bridge Parkway & Oconee Connector (US-78 / SR-316): Northeast Georgia's premier regional power-center corridor serving Oconee County families and Watkinsville commuters.
Atlanta Highway (US-78 West), Alps Road & Beechwood: Established grocery-anchored shopping centers with strong visibility and convenient neighborhood dinner traffic.
Prince Avenue / Normaltown & Barnett Shoals / Eastside: Medical-district lunch demand on Prince Avenue plus dense residential neighborhoods along Lexington and Barnett Shoals roads.

Bring Nash & Smashed to Athens, GA

SEC campus foot traffic meets Clarke and Oconee county retail

Athens, GA concept guides & nearby markets