Which Lexington corridors generate strong year-round fast-casual traffic?

Nicholasville Road (US-27), Hamburg Pavilion off I-75, Richmond Road and the South Limestone / UK campus corridor provide balanced student, healthcare and suburban family demand throughout the year.

Can one operator develop both Lexington and surrounding Bluegrass towns?

Yes. Qualified multi-unit applicants can discuss Fayette County territories alongside nearby markets such as Georgetown, Nicholasville, Winchester and Richmond.

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 Lexington, KY

Open in the heart of the Bluegrass across Nicholasville Road, Hamburg Pavilion, South Limestone / UK Campus and New Circle Road — with fried chicken, smashed burgers, mocktails and cakes.

National franchise overview · Kentucky franchise guide

Lexington serves as the commercial, medical and university capital of Central and Eastern Kentucky, drawing shoppers into Fayette County along I-75, I-64 and New Circle Road (KY-4). The University of Kentucky's massive student body and adjacent UK Albert B. Chandler Hospital campus along South Limestone and Euclid Avenue create dependable seven-day dining and late-evening delivery traffic.

Combined with powerhouse suburban retail centers at Fayette Mall and The Summit at Fritz Farm on Nicholasville Road (US-27), Hamburg Pavilion at I-75 Exit 108, and Beaumont / Harrodsburg Road plazas, Lexington supports both 1,600+ sq ft Full Restaurants and campus-adjacent Express Units.

SEC campus density and regional Bluegrass shopping hubs along I-75 and US-27

Nicholasville Road (US-27), Fayette Mall & The Summit at Fritz Farm: Central Kentucky's busiest retail corridor linking UK campus neighborhoods with affluent southern Fayette and Jessamine County suburbs.
Hamburg Pavilion & Sir Barton Way (I-75 / Man O' War Blvd): Massive power-center shopping complex serving eastern Lexington families and I-75 / I-64 interstate travelers.
South Limestone, Euclid Avenue, Chevy Chase & Downtown Rupp District: High-foot-traffic University of Kentucky student apartments, hospital clinics and downtown event blocks.
Beaumont Centre, Harrodsburg Road & Citation / Leestown North: Growing west-side medical, office and residential grocery plazas.

Bring Nash & Smashed to Lexington, KY

SEC campus density and regional Bluegrass shopping hubs along I-75 and US-27

Lexington, KY concept guides & nearby markets