Fast-casual burger chain Smashburger has announced it’s partnering with jackfruit producer Jack & Annie’s to test a new menu item: The plant-based classic Smash Burger. For a limited time, the jackfruit-based burger is now available at select US Smashburger locations in Colorado, New York and New Jersey.
According to the chain, the new patty can be substituted for any traditional protein across its menu items.
“This partnership felt like a natural next step…to offer more diverse and cleaner plant-based options.”
The plant-based Classic Smash Burger features lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles, American cheese (non-vegan), Smash Sauce (non-vegan) and ketchup on a toasted bun.
1st plant-based patty
According to Jack & Annie, this burger marks its first branded partnership with a fast-casual restaurant chain, although it has been supplying jackfruit products to other restaurants for several years, the company told SFA News Daily.
Smashburger, which operates more than 200 locations in 34 states and seven countries, is known as a “better burger” chain that offers burgers and sandwiches made with higher quality ingredients than standard fast food chains. Previously, the company offered a black bean burger, although the patty contained egg and cheese and could not be made vegetarian.
Eclipse milkshakes
In 2022, Smashburger joined forces to launch plant-based dairy startup Eclipse Foods. Six dairy-free milkshakes Throughout his US stay. QSR is described as the industry’s first nationally available plant-based milkshake, flavors included Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Peanut Butter, Tangerine Dream and Oreo.
“As part of Smashburger’s aggressive approach to menu innovation and the evolving tastes of our guests, we continue to diversify our product portfolio by experimenting with our new plant-based classic Smash Burger, Jack & Annie’s,” said Carl Bachmann. President of Smashburger.
He added, “This partnership feels like a natural next step in Smashburger’s journey to offer our guests more diverse and clean plant-based options while delivering the premium, high-quality menu items our fans know and love.”
Supporting jacks
Both Smashburger and Jack & Annie’s are based in Colorado. Founded in 2020 by Annie Ryu, jack & Annie’s offers burgers, chicken tenders, meatballs, sausages and more made with whole-plant jackfruit.
Previously, Jack & Annie ranked as the third-largest frozen brand in the entire plant-based category and is now available in more than 1,500 U.S. retailers, including Whole Foods, Target, Sprouts, Meijer and Wegmans. In 2021, the company Raised $23M in Series B funding
“Our Jack & Annie’s plant-based burger is the best of all worlds – it has an incredibly meaty texture and is made first and foremost from jackfruit, a plant that contributes to a sustainable future of food, while still being delicious,” said Annie Ryu. , CEO and founder of Jack & Annie. “This new offering from Smashburger allows consumers in Colorado and New York to enjoy high-quality, vegetarian-friendly options while dining out and helps fulfill our vision of bringing Jack & Annie’s food to diners everywhere.”