Smashburger Open For Business in Kildeer

Lake Zurich Mayor Suzanne Branding put on some plastic gloves and stepped up to the grill at Smashburger, ready to perform the inaugural "smash."

District Manager Joe Zappala spread some butter on the flat grill just before Branding placed a mound of certified Angus beef on the sizzling surface. Branding then used the restaurant's burger flattening tool to "smash" the beef — a move that sears in the juices, Zappala said.

Kildeer Village President Nandia Black, too, had the opportunity to make a Smashburger on the grill at Tuesday evening's VIP event at the restaurant, 20771 North Rand Road. The event was open to local officials and Kildeer residents. The restaurant officially opened for business today.

"We're very excited about it," Zappala said of opening Illinois' ninth Smashburger location.

Based in Denver, CO, Smashburger opened its first store three years ago and now has 150 locations across the country.

"We are busy opening up restaurants quickly," said Zappala. "Our plan is to open 10 a year."

What makes Smashburger unique, Zappala said, is that the burgers start with 100 percent certified Angus beef that is fresh — never frozen.

"A lot of companies say they use Angus beef, but we use fresh, certified Angus beef," said Zappala. "Unless it's certified like ours, it's not the same quality we're looking for."

He added that the cooking process itself is unique.

"We literally smash the burger," he said. "It creates a good sear. That retains all the juices."

The restaurant offers a number of specialty burgers, including the "Windy City" burger that is only available in the Chicago area. It includes melted cheddar cheese, haystack onions, lettuce, tomato and Gulden's spicy mustard on a pretzel bun. If you choose the "create your own burger" route, there are a variety of toppings to choose from, including: lettuce, tomato, red onion, grilled onions, sweet relish, spicy chipotle mayo, Frank's RedHot sauce, blue cheese dressing and six different types of cheese.

"We also have really good chicken," said Zappala. "We smash our chicken, too."

Hot dogs, chili and large salads are also on the menu.

Smashburger offers guests plenty of unique sides to choose from, Zappala said, including "Smashfries" that are tossed with rosemary, olive oil and garlic. These are made from both regular and sweet potatoes. There are also fried pickles, veggie frites and hand-battered haystack onions.

An array of beverages is available, including soft drinks, wine and beer. The restaurant's milkshakes and malts are made with Haagen-Dazs ice cream.

Smashburger is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.