---
title: "Smashburger Expands in Utah with Multi-Unit Development Agreement"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/8d195ee1-b4a5-4e5a-9069-20bcbdae2e0e
source: "Franchising.com"
original_url: https://www.franchising.com/news/20230614_smashburger_expands_in_utah_with_multiunit_development_agreement.html
category: "Burger"
industry: "Restaurants"
segment: "Burger"
topics: ["Development & multi-unit"]
published: 2023-06-14T12:00:00.000Z
modified: 2026-11-01T22:32:51.785Z
image: https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1561758033-d89a9ad46330?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop
---

# Smashburger Expands in Utah with Multi-Unit Development Agreement

**TL;DR:** Smashburger has signed a multi-unit development agreement to expand its footprint in Utah, bringing five new locations to Salt Lake City. The agreement was made with multi-unit franchisee Michael Walker of Zuvachs, LLC, who also acquired two existing Smashburger locations in Salt Lake City.

*originally published in Franchising.com on 2023-06-14. [Read the original](https://www.franchising.com/news/20230614_smashburger_expands_in_utah_with_multiunit_development_agreement.html).*

## Story

Denver, CO - Smashburger announced today the signing of a multi-unit development agreement to further expand its footprint in Utah, bringing five new locations to Salt Lake City. Multi-unit franchisee Michael Walker of Zuvachs, LLC. acquired two existing Smashburger locations in Salt Lake City through the deal.

“We’re looking to partner with experienced operators that are eager to grow, and Michael has proven to fit that classification,” said Toni Bianco, Senior Vice President of Global Operations at Smashburger.

Starting his career as a General Manager for SONIC Drive-In and holding managerial titles for other large brands like Burger King, Walker has over a decade of experience in the restaurant industry. In November of 2019, Walker and his business partners, Ralph Bohn, Joe Carpenter and Melanie Castillo, formulated Zuvachs, LLC and began their franchising journey. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic they acquired their first Smashburger location in Lehi, Utah.

“From the moment I took my first bite into Smashburger’s signature smashed patty, I knew we had found a brand that shared our passion for quality, flavor and innovation, said Walker.

Founded in 2007 in Denver, Colorado, Smashburger is a better-burger brand known for its innovative approach to crafting delicious and high-quality burgers. From the way the burgers are cooked, to the unique flavors they offer, Smashburger is constantly pushing the boundaries of what a burger can be.

Additionally, this March, Smashburger unveiled its new Virtual Drive-Thru design and began testing the prototype at its latest location in Houston. An extension of the traditional drive-thru experience, the Virtual Drive-Thru allows customers to seamlessly place an order online or through the Smashburger app, then pull through the designated parking lane where their food will be delivered to the driver by a Smashburger team member. The Virtual Drive-Thru prototype, coupled with the brand’s refreshed kitchen design, reinforces the brand’s commitment to innovation and staying in lockstep with the increased consumer demand for convenience and accessibility.

## Entities

- Franchising.com (publication)
- Restaurants (sector)
- unit expansion (topic)
- franchise agreement (topic)
- Burger King (company)
- multi-unit development (topic)
- Utah (location)
- Sonic Drive-In (company)
- Smashburger (company)
- Salt Lake City (location)

---
Originally reported by Franchising.com (https://www.franchising.com/news/20230614_smashburger_expands_in_utah_with_multiunit_development_agreement.html). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/8d195ee1-b4a5-4e5a-9069-20bcbdae2e0e).