Are franchise territories completely open in Erie County, PA?

Yes. Erie and surrounding Millcreek, Summit, Fairview and Harborcreek townships are wide open for a flagship franchise operator along the I-90 / I-79 corridor.

What training and launch support do Erie franchisees receive?

Every owner receives 40 hours of classroom and in-restaurant training plus 12 corporate support commitments covering real estate review, store layout, vendor setup 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 Erie, PA

Bridge our Western New York and Pittsburgh corridors along I-90 and I-79 — bringing five crave-worthy revenue lines to Peach Street, Millcreek, Downtown Erie and Harborcreek.

National franchise overview · Pennsylvania franchise guide

Sitting on the I-90 / I-79 crossroads directly between Pittsburgh and our developing Buffalo, NY market, Erie anchors Northwestern Pennsylvania with major employers led by Erie Insurance, UPMC Hamot and Saint Vincent Hospital alongside four universities — Gannon University, Penn State Behrend, Mercyhurst University and LECOM.

Along Peach Street (US-19) through Millcreek and Summit townships, West 12th Street leading to Presque Isle State Park's millions of annual visitors, and student-packed blocks downtown and in Harborcreek, Erie offers wide-open territory for cooked-to-order fried chicken, smashed burgers, mocktails and cakes.

Northwestern Pennsylvania's university, healthcare and I-90 retail hub

Peach Street (US-19), Millcreek Complex & I-90 Interchange: Tri-state shopping magnet drawing Pennsylvania, Western New York, Northeastern Ohio and Canadian visitors.
West 12th Street (PA-5), West Ridge Road (US-20) & Peninsula Drive: High-traffic westside commuter plazas and the primary gateway to Presque Isle State Park and Waldameer.
Downtown State Street, Gannon University & Erie Insurance / Bayfront: Corporate headquarters, UPMC Hamot medical shifts and Gannon student housing suited for inline or Express units.
Buffalo Road (US-20 East), Station Road & Penn State Behrend / Mercyhurst: Eastside residential neighborhoods and university student corridors across Harborcreek and Southeast Erie.

Bring Nash & Smashed to Erie, PA

Northwestern Pennsylvania's university, healthcare and I-90 retail hub

Erie, PA concept guides & nearby markets