Does Morgantown stay busy during university summer breaks?

Yes. WVU Medicine's massive academic medical center, federal research facilities (NETL) and permanent Monongalia County residential growth sustain strong year-round lunch and family dinner traffic along Suncrest and I-79.

Can a Morgantown franchisee also develop Bridgeport / Clarksburg down I-79?

Yes. Multi-unit candidates frequently look at pairing Morgantown with Meadowbrook / Emily Drive along I-79 in Harrison and Marion counties.

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 Morgantown, WV

Capture Big 12 college-town passion and WVU Medicine growth at the I-79 and I-68 interchange — serving High Street, Evansdale, Suncrest Towne Centre and University Town Centre.

National franchise overview · West Virginia franchise guide

Sitting at the junction of I-68 (linking directly east into Maryland) and I-79 (just south of Pittsburgh), Morgantown is West Virginia's fastest-growing metro — propelled by West Virginia University's Downtown and Evansdale campuses alongside WVU Medicine's J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital complex, the largest healthcare employer in the state.

Between late-evening student walk-up and delivery demand on High Street and Patteson Drive, hospital shift traffic around Suncrest Towne Centre, and regional shopping at University Town Centre in Granville, Morgantown is tailor-made for cooked-to-order Nashville-style sandwiches, fried chicken, smashed burgers, mocktails and cakes.

Flagship WVU student demand plus West Virginia's fastest-growing medical hub

Suncrest Towne Centre, Patteson Drive & Van Voorhis Road (Evansdale / Ruby Memorial): Premier lifestyle plaza adjacent to WVU Medicine hospitals, Milan Puskar Stadium and Evansdale student housing.
University Town Centre (I-79 Exit 155 / Granville): North Central West Virginia's largest regional power-center hub with ballpark crowds and multi-county highway access.
Downtown High Street, Beechurst Avenue & Wharf District: Walkable WVU Downtown Campus blocks and riverfront dining ideal for Express Units and late-evening takeout.
Sabraton (WV-7 / Earl L. Core Rd), Mileground & Cheat Lake (I-68 East): High-visibility commuter plazas serving eastside residential neighborhoods and Cheat Lake families.

Bring Nash & Smashed to Morgantown, WV

Flagship WVU student demand plus West Virginia's fastest-growing medical hub

Morgantown, WV concept guides & nearby markets