Does Columbia have enough year-round demand outside the university calendar?

Yes. Beyond Mizzou, Columbia is Mid-Missouri's regional medical, insurance and I-70 retail hub, supporting strong year-round family dining along Grindstone Parkway, Stadium Boulevard and Conley Road.

How do I request the FDD for Columbia, MO?

Complete the inquiry form on this page with your contact details to receive our Franchise Disclosure Document and connect directly with our franchise team.

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 Columbia, MO

Open in Mid-Missouri's SEC flagship college town — spanning Downtown Broadway / Mizzou, Grindstone Parkway and Stadium Boulevard — with five craveable revenue lines and full corporate training.

National franchise overview · Missouri franchise guide

Positioned halfway between St. Louis and Kansas City at the intersection of I-70 and US-63, Columbia combines SEC college-town intensity around the University of Missouri (Mizzou), Stephens College and Columbia College with major healthcare and insurance employers that stabilize year-round family income.

Walkable blocks in The District along Broadway and 9th Street deliver constant student foot traffic, while South Columbia's Grindstone Parkway / Nifong Boulevard student-and-suburban retail hubs, West Columbia's Stadium Boulevard, and the I-70 / US-63 Conley Road power center offer standout 1,600+ sq ft inline and endcap spaces.

Mizzou SEC campus energy and I-70 / US-63 Mid-Missouri retail corridors

Downtown Columbia ('The District' on Broadway / 9th St) & Mizzou Campus: Direct pedestrian connection between 30,000+ college students, MU Health Care and downtown nightlife.
Grindstone Parkway, Nifong Boulevard & Providence Road South (US-63): High-volume southside shopping plazas surrounded by student townhomes and affluent Rock Bridge family subdivisions.
Stadium Boulevard (Columbia Mall) & Conley Road / I-70 Interchanges: Regional Boone County shopping hubs capturing local residents and heavy I-70 interstate traffic.

Bring Nash & Smashed to Columbia, MO

Mizzou SEC campus energy and I-70 / US-63 Mid-Missouri retail corridors

Columbia, MO concept guides & nearby markets