Why does Waco attract strong fast-casual dining volume along I-35?

Waco combines three distinct traffic engines — year-round Magnolia/Silos visitors, Baylor University students and faculty, and I-35 / Loop 340 local McLennan County families — keeping all dayparts active.

What support does Nash & Smashed give first-time Waco owners?

Owners receive 40 hours of classroom and in-store training plus 12 corporate support commitments spanning site review, buildout guidance, vendor setup and launch 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 Nash & Smashed in Waco, TX

Capture Baylor University students, Magnolia tourist crowds and I-35 Central Texas families across Downtown Waco, Central Texas Marketplace, Valley Mills Drive and Hewitt/Woodway.

National franchise overview · Texas franchise guide

Positioned directly on I-35 midway between DFW and Austin, Waco punches far above its population size thanks to millions of annual visitors to Magnolia Market at the Silos, Baylor University's 20,000+ students and McLane Stadium, and major regional medical and aerospace/industrial employers. Downtown Waco, Riverfront and the Baylor/6th Street corridor generate bustling daytime tourist lunches and student evening orders.

Just down I-35 at Loop 340 / SH-6, Central Texas Marketplace anchors McLennan County's busiest retail node, complemented by established commuter corridors along Valley Mills Drive, US-84 toward Woodway and Hewitt Drive — offering accessible 1,600+ sq ft inline and endcap spaces.

Midpoint I-35 traffic, Baylor University and year-round Magnolia tourism

Central Texas Marketplace & I-35 / Loop 340 (SH-6 Interchange): Regional open-air power center and nearby Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest hospital drawing McLennan County families and I-35 travelers.
Baylor Campus, Downtown Silos District & Riverfront (I-35 Central): Year-round Magnolia tourism, convention hotels and dense Baylor student housing with strong walk-up and delivery demand.
Valley Mills Drive, Woodway (US-84) & Hewitt Drive: High-income West Waco, Woodway and Hewitt suburban commuter strips serving permanent local households.

Own a Nash & Smashed in Waco, TX

Midpoint I-35 traffic, Baylor University and year-round Magnolia tourism

Waco, TX concept guides & nearby markets