Smashburger, a fast-casual restaurant chain, has signed an agreement with Chicago-based caterer Food for Thought Enterprises to operate 11 restaurants in and around the Second City. The move into Illinois is part of an aggressive expansion program by Smashburger, which plan to open 500 plus restaurants across the country over the next several years, including 30 to 60 in 2009. Smashburger, a "better burger" restaurant concept, was launched and funded with $15 million from private equity and concept development firm Consumer Capital Partners of Denver.
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