Why is Ohio ideal for multi-unit franchise portfolio builders?

Ohio stacks six major metros — Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dayton, Akron-Canton and Toledo — within connected I-71, I-75 and I-80/90 highway drives, allowing experienced operators to cluster stores cleanly.

How close is Ohio to Nash & Smashed's corporate support and training team?

Ohio sits one state west of our Mid-Atlantic core and within easy reach of our Fairfax, Virginia headquarters, where owners complete 40 hours of training and access 12 ongoing 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.

Own a Nash & Smashed in Ohio

Scale across Ohio's powerhouse 3-C corridor — Columbus, Cincinnati and Cleveland — plus Dayton, Akron and Toledo with five revenue lines, 40 hours of training and 12 corporate support commitments.

National franchise overview

Columbus has long served as a national benchmark for fast-casual restaurants thanks to Ohio State's massive campus, booming semiconductor and cloud-computing investment in Central Ohio, and thriving suburbs around Dublin, Powell, Westerville, Easton and Polaris — flanked along I-71 and I-75 by major metropolitan markets in Greater Cincinnati, Greater Cleveland, Dayton, Akron and Toledo. Across the Buckeye State, our five revenue lines — Nashville-style sandwiches, fried chicken, smashed burgers, mocktails and cakes — capture lunch commuters, families and student delivery from a single kitchen.

With open single-unit and multi-unit territories statewide, Ohio operators can deploy 1,600+ sq ft Full Restaurants in suburban shopping plazas, compact Express Units on High Street, Clifton or University Circle blocks, and Food Trucks for stadium and festival seasons — backed by 40 hours of training and 12 corporate support commitments.

Multi-metro scale along Ohio's I-71, I-75, I-70 and I-270 corridors

Greater Columbus (OSU/Short North, Easton, Polaris, Dublin & Hilliard): High Street campus/urban energy paired with booming I-270 outerbelt retail in Dublin, Westerville, New Albany and Grove City.
Greater Cincinnati (Clifton/UC, Oakley, Kenwood, Mason & West Chester): University of Cincinnati and hospital corridors plus high-income family plazas along Montgomery Road, Fields Ertel and Liberty Way (I-75).
Greater Cleveland & Lake Erie Ring (University Circle, Lakewood, Crocker Park & Strongsville): Cleveland Clinic / Case Western medical-university hub alongside busy Westside and I-71/I-271 suburban shopping centers.
Dayton, Akron/Canton & Toledo Corridors: Beavercreek/Wright-Patt and Austin Landing near Dayton, Montrose/Belden Village in Akron-Canton and Monroe Street / Perrysburg in Toledo.

Own a Nash & Smashed in Ohio

Multi-metro scale along Ohio's I-71, I-75, I-70 and I-270 corridors

Ohio city & concept franchise guides