What makes the Nash & Smashed fried chicken franchise different in Des Moines, IA?

Unlike single-item chicken concepts, every Nash & Smashed kitchen combines Nashville-style fried chicken sandwiches, bone-in chicken, tenders and wings with smashed burgers, mocktails and cakes inside a compact 1,600+ sq ft footprint suited to West Des Moines & Waukee (Jordan Creek, Mills Civic Pkwy & University Ave) and Downtown Des Moines, East Village, Ingersoll Avenue & Drake University.

Do I need kitchen experience to run a fried chicken franchise in Des Moines, IA?

No prior restaurant experience is required. Every franchise owner completes 40 hours of training — 6 classroom hours and 34 hours on the job inside an operating Nash & Smashed — covering marination, breading, fryer station flow, inventory and local marketing.

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 Fried Chicken Franchise in Des Moines, IA

Bring hand-breaded Nashville-style chicken sandwiches, bone-in fried chicken, tenders and wings to Des Moines, IA — paired with smashed burgers, mocktails and cakes so one 1,600+ sq ft kitchen captures every guest in the group.

National franchise overview · Format overview · Iowa franchise guide · Des Moines, IA franchise guide

Prospective operators searching for a fried chicken franchise in Des Moines, IA often run into concepts that rely on a single menu item or require oversized freestanding real estate. Nash & Smashed pairs made-to-order Nashville-style chicken sandwiches, bone-in fried chicken, tenders and party wings with flat-top smashed burgers, waffle fries, handcrafted mocktails and cakes — eliminating the group veto vote across West Des Moines & Waukee (Jordan Creek, Mills Civic Pkwy & University Ave) and Downtown Des Moines, East Village, Ingersoll Avenue & Drake University.

1,600+ sq ft inline and endcap spaces in West Des Moines, Waukee, Ankeny, Urbandale, Johnston and Altoona. For tighter urban blocks or campus-adjacent trade areas around Ankeny (Delaware Avenue, Oralabor Road & The District at Prairie Trail), our Express Unit and Food Truck formats give Des Moines owners flexible real estate entry points supported directly from lease review through grand opening.

Capturing lunch, dinner and catering chicken demand in Des Moines

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.

Own a Fried Chicken Franchise in Des Moines, IA

Capturing lunch, dinner and catering chicken demand in Des Moines

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