What's Happening?
Small's Smash Club, a popular smash burger restaurant, has opened its second location in Laguna Beach, California. The owner, Jordan Small, a former professional snowboarder, started the business during the pandemic by selling barbecue and smash burgers
from his backyard. The success of his pop-up events led to the opening of the first brick-and-mortar location in San Clemente last year. The new Laguna Beach location, which opened on June 6, is situated in a building that previously housed the local eatery Dizz's As Is. The restaurant offers a simple menu featuring single, double, and triple smash burgers, along with sides like cheese fries and onion rings. The opening day saw a large turnout, with lines extending out the door, indicating strong local interest and support.
Why It's Important?
The expansion of Small's Smash Club highlights the growing trend of small, independent food businesses capitalizing on unique culinary concepts and community support. This development is significant for the local economy, as it not only creates jobs but also revitalizes a space previously occupied by a long-standing local restaurant. The success of Small's Smash Club reflects a broader shift in consumer preferences towards locally-owned, niche dining experiences over traditional fast-food chains. This trend could encourage more entrepreneurs to explore similar business models, potentially leading to increased diversity and innovation in the food industry.
What's Next?
With the successful launch of the Laguna Beach location, Jordan Small may continue to pursue his goal of opening five restaurants in five years. The strong initial response suggests that there is a robust market for his smash burger concept, which could facilitate further expansion. Future developments may include exploring additional locations, possibly in other high-traffic areas, to capitalize on the brand's growing popularity. Additionally, the business might consider expanding its menu or offering new services, such as delivery or catering, to attract a wider customer base.
