I can't express my complete dissatisfaction with SMASHBURGER in a short few sentences because it was flawed on so many levels.
I'll start with the first, for those who can't ensure reading a verbose review and in case ownership of this Smashburger or the corporate office wants to know how inept this location is being managed.
1) We purchased the Scorching Chicken Sandwich "to go" and giving them as others the benefit of any doubts for a simple task, I didn't check my order. When I came home, a 15 minute drive (each way), I discovered the top bun and bottom bun with lettuce, mayo and pickles in-between, but NO ACTUAL CHICKEN PATTY, missing the primary portion of what you're ordering and paying for... THE MEAT.
2) I called the location to discuss the problem, they said to come in for a replacement, so I've already invested 30 mins in time and gas for transportation on the 1st order, now I have to ensure another 30 minutes to go and retrieve what I paid for on a second trip. That's 1 hour of time and money factoring in gas as well as the value of my time.
When I arrived, the Scorching Chicken Sandwich was waiting for me as a... "and here ya go, that's it." resolution by counter service person EMILY. She's a front line worker, so I can't blame her much. I had, however asked to see a manager on the phone, then reiterated that after Emily was ready to consider the matter resolved. I'd spoken to CONNIE who was behind the counter in the kitchen. She said what she could do for all of my troubles is offer me "FREE FRIES or a FREE SODA" (the value of those were $3.69 Fries or $3.19 soda).
So, I let her (CONNIE) know I was disappointed in that offer. I also said "I'm not trying to extort anything from you. I already ordered Fries. So, "A Free Soda... a cup of syrup!" expressing my lack of enthusiasm towards a mediocre effort to compensate and satisfy a customer. I wasn't expecting the food to be free and refund the $30+ order nor a $10+ gift card or the Scorching Chicken Sandwich itself to be comped for free (which most restaurants would actually do at minimum). So, I asked CONNIE if "Could you just give me a shake for my son?" where a shake's menu value is $6.39, to which she (CONNIE) declined and reiterated the fries or soda offer.
I declined the fries and the soda out of principal. I've run customer service departments in my professional past and there was once an adage of "The Customer is always right." which we abolished because it's not necessarily always true. If a customer is profane, unreasonable or lying, they're not right. We transformed that addage to "The Customer deserves to be listened to, responded to and treated fairly" knowing "it costs more to find new customers than to satisfy current customers to keep them loyal." Plus, loyal customers provide greater lifetime value (i.e.revenue) and are the best referrals for a business.
I don't feel it was very smart of CONNIE to decline a reasonable request of a shake which would have had me walk out of SMASHBURGER feeling elated that they actually cared and come back as well as tell the tale of a wonderful company that cares for their customers.
Instead, I walked away very disappointed, personally insulted enough to take the time immediately and share this experience on Yelp as well as with others elsewhere.
SMASHBURGER SHOULD BE EMBARRASSED
To think, for the differential cost of goods of a simple shake compared to a cup of syrup, they could have remedied this situation. I think they need to reflect upon their employee training as well as whom they empower as managers or their policies and procedures, allowing flexibility and approval for educated managers to make decisions to save sales and retail customers. If that empowerment is actually in place, then SMASHBURGER should think long and hard about whom they're putting in management positions making poor decisions.
REVIEW OF THE FOOD
3) The fries were lackluster and overpriced at $4.49 for a large size. They were cold (i.e., not fresh) and rather weak overall.
4) The Onion Haystack was overpriced at $4.09 for a serving size that only filled half of the container used.
5) The burger, I get it "Smashburger" is a style where they press the burger when they cook it so inevitably it becomes reminiscent of an overcooked beef jerky like patty, that's dry and well done. It's about 4" in diameter, rather small and the double burger just has 2 of those patties. It's neither moist, nor juicy. I'd say it's no different than a burger you get from a fast food restaurant like McDonald's, Burger King, Carl's Jr, Jack in the Box, Wendy's and the like, only it's 2x or so more expensive at Smashburger.
If you're going for the "fresh" burger, I'd opt for In n Out, The Habit, Fatburger , Shake Shack, Five Guys over Smashburger for similar cook to order counter service burger joints.
OVERALL, I do not recommend Smashburger on all levels based on my experience. See my photos read more