Are West Des Moines, Waukee and Ankeny open for franchise development?

Yes. All Polk and Dallas County trade areas in Greater Des Moines are currently open for single-unit and multi-unit Nash & Smashed franchise inquiries.

Do I need restaurant experience to become an Iowa franchisee?

No prior restaurant experience is required. Franchisees complete 40 hours of classroom and on-the-job training backed by 12 corporate support commitments.

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 Des Moines, IA

Launch in the Midwest's fastest-growing capital metro — across Jordan Creek / West Des Moines, Downtown East Village, Drake University, Ankeny and Waukee — with five craveable revenue lines.

National franchise overview · Iowa franchise guide

Des Moines leads the Heartland in population and job growth, anchored by Principal Financial, Wells Fargo, Nationwide, MercyOne/UnityPoint hospitals, state government and major cloud data campuses across Polk and Dallas counties. Downtown's East Village, Court Avenue, Western Gateway and Ingersoll / Drake University corridors generate lively weekday lunch and evening traffic.

Out along I-80 and I-35, West Des Moines (Jordan Creek Town Center and Mills Civic Parkway), Waukee's Kettlestone / Hickman Road corridor, Urbandale and Ankeny (Delaware Avenue & Prairie Trail) provide modern, high-income 1,600+ sq ft inline and endcap shopping centers.

Polk and Dallas County boom corridors along I-80, I-35 and I-235

West Des Moines & Waukee (Jordan Creek, Mills Civic Pkwy & University Ave): Central Iowa's premier regional shopping, corporate campus and high-income Dallas County family dining corridor.
Downtown Des Moines, East Village, Ingersoll Avenue & Drake University: State capitol workforce, corporate towers, Wells Fargo Arena crowds and college student blocks.
Ankeny (Delaware Avenue, Oralabor Road & The District at Prairie Trail): One of America's fastest-growing I-35 North suburbs with packed grocery-anchored plazas and DMACC campus traffic.
Urbandale, Johnston & Altoona (86th St, Merle Hay & Adventureland / I-80 East): Established commuter shopping strips and family entertainment hubs across Polk County.

Bring Nash & Smashed to Des Moines, IA

Polk and Dallas County boom corridors along I-80, I-35 and I-235

Des Moines, IA concept guides & nearby markets