Are territories open across Akron and surrounding Summit County suburbs?

Yes. Open territories span Montrose-Fairlawn, Downtown Akron / University Park, Highland Square, Cuyahoga Falls, Stow, Hudson and Green, with single-unit and multi-unit options available.

What corporate support does Nash & Smashed provide to Akron franchisees?

Every franchise owner receives 12 corporate support commitments — including site evaluation, lease guidance, store design, 40 hours of training, vendor onboarding and grand-opening 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.

Bring Nash & Smashed to Akron, OH

Build across Summit County — from Fairlawn-Montrose and the University of Akron to Cuyahoga Falls, Stow and Green — backed by 40 hours of training and 12 corporate support commitments.

National franchise overview · Ohio franchise guide

Akron anchors a dense Northeast Ohio trade shed across Summit and Portage counties, combining polymer and healthcare employers like Goodyear, Summa Health and Akron Children's Hospital with the University of Akron's downtown student corridor. Our five-line menu — Nashville-style sandwiches, fried chicken, smashed burgers, mocktails and cakes — captures campus walk-up traffic and suburban family meals alike.

Along West Market Street (OH-18) in Fairlawn and Montrose, Howe Avenue and Front Street in Cuyahoga Falls, Graham Road in Stow, and the I-77 South corridor in Green near Akron-Canton Airport, early franchisees can lock in high-visibility 1,600+ sq ft shopping-center spaces.

Summit County retail and campus corridors along I-77, I-76 and Route 8

Montrose & Fairlawn (West Market Street / OH-18 & Medina Road / I-77): Summit County's highest-volume regional shopping and dining hub serving Fairlawn, Bath, Copley and West Akron.
University of Akron, Exchange Street & Downtown Medical Corridor: Walkable student housing, hospital campuses and Canal Park blocks well suited for Express Units and delivery fulfillment.
Cuyahoga Falls, Stow & Hudson (Route 8 North Corridor): Revitalized Front Street riverfront district, Howe Avenue power centers and family-focused Stow-Kent shopping plazas.
Green & Arlington Road / Massillon Road (I-77 South): Fast-growing suburban retail centers serving southern Summit County commuters and Akron-Canton business parks.

Bring Nash & Smashed to Akron, OH

Summit County retail and campus corridors along I-77, I-76 and Route 8

Akron, OH concept guides & nearby markets