Smashburger Appoints Chief Development Officer

Smashburger has appointed Jim Sullivan as chief development officer. In his new role, Sullivan will oversee all facets of restaurant development, including market planning, site selection and franchise sales, with a strategic focus on elevating Smashburger’s brand identity in the fast-casual space.

“Jim brings unparalleled expertise, passion and a deep understanding of the fast-casual industry that will be instrumental in driving our ambitious expansion plans both domestically and internationally,” says Denise Nelsen, CEO of Smashburger, in a release.

Sullivan brings over 25 years of food and beverage expertise to Smashburger. Prior to joining the company, he served as chief development officer at Qdoba, where he led global expansion and new restaurant development. His experience also includes developmental leadership positions at CKE Restaurant Holdings, Friendly’s Ice Cream and American Hospitality Concepts.

Smashburger, based in Denver, has 235 corporate and franchise restaurants operating in 32 states and six countries.