Locals Get a Taste of Smashburger During Tuesday Preview

The 101st national Smashburger location—and the fourth in Illinois—welcomed VIP guests for a sneak preview before its grand opening Wednesday at 10 a.m.

Mayor Kathleen Weaver and members of the Darien Chamber of Commerce participated in the ribbon cutting that welcomed general manager Sean Pelkey and his team of 36 employees to Darien. 

Weaver served as the ceremonial “smasher” and obligingly delivered the signature smash for the first burger.

Pelkey explained that the Smashburger team had been training at the Darien location for about two weeks and felt ready to enthusiastically welcome the public. 

Chamber of Commerce member Valerie Karpeck came to welcome the new restaurant to Darien. 

“Of course, we like to see new establishments in Darien,” Karpeck said. “And Smashburger is fun. It’s more of a hip concept.”

Local businesses, fire and police departments, school personnel and Darien residents selected through a drawing were treated to complimentary meals.

Each Smashburger location carries a regional burger. Chicago-area restaurants feature Windy City Smashburgers with melted cheddar cheese, haystack onions, lettuce, tomato and mustard on a pretzel bun.

Bridget Glasgow, an employee of Haraldsen’s Garage, was one of the Darien Smashburger’s first customers and ordered a Spicy Baja burger.

“I’ve never been to Smashburger before,” Glasgow said. “But I like spicy food, so I’m excited to try it.”