Though they're not new to many cities on the West Coast, Smashburger made their debut here in the South Bay last week. And before the crowds could line up and order, the Yelp Elite Squad was there to get the first bite before they opened! Yep, we're kind of a big deal… Read all about our Silver & Gold Preview Party last Thursday night!
Not long ago, people ate lots of burgers, however they were ordinary burgers. But there was something missing – the need for something satisfying and real, something basic and good, something affordable and fresh – a place with a burger soul. A place that burger lovers could call their own and feel pride in recommending to their friends and family. So Smashburger asked, "Shouldn’t there be a better way?"
Smashburger believes that smashing is better. Their handcrafted burgers are smashed, seared and seasoned to order, using our fresh, never frozen 100% Certified Angus Beef®. Whether you choose the Classic Smashburger or decide to create-your-own, their artisan buns, freshly chopped produce, flavorful sauces and variety of cheeses are designed to deliver a great-tasting, juicy burger you can taste in every bite.
To launch their new South Bay store, about 30 Elites were invited to taste the goods and help spread the burger word. On the roster for this shindig were our "Silver" newbies (Elites who'd been on the Squad less than 6 months) and "Gold" badge Elites (5+ years on the Squad). Not only were we looking to munch on some quality meat, but this was the perfect opportunity to make new friends!
Smashburger went all out for the occasion! Jeremy, David, Dasha and the new San Jose crew put together a 7-course tasting menu, including the Classic Smashburger to the Avocado Club to the Spicy Veggie Black Bean Burger. Not to mention Smashfries, onion rings, fried veggies and milkshakes! And don't forget the Bay Area Burger, made with mushrooms and truffle oil, which seemed to be the winner of the evening.
"This was over-the-top gluttony," groaned Randy T. "It doesn't get any better than an event like this. Newbie Silver Elite members and experienced Gold Elite members in a small setting like this made for an amazing night of food, drink, and socializing at Smashburger." 5-stars from Gold Badge R.T. "SMASH THEM GOOD! cried Sherry C. "All of the 8 burgers we sampled were excellent with all the trimmings and fixings, but my absolute favorite is the Bay Burger. I can taste the layers of portabella mushrooms, baby arugula and oozing Swiss cheese." A perfect score from this newbie. "Kudo's to Smashburger for knowing how to arrive in a new town! While this was an overwhelming tasting in terms of quantity, it represented their menu well. I hope they have a successful grand-opening." cheered Linda L, another Gold badge Elite.
Yes, we left a wee bit stuffed. OK, a lot stuffed 🙂 But we also got some bonding time with our fellow Elite Squad memebers and got to know Smashburger a lot better! "I really enjoyed the 'intro' to every dish and the explanations delivered. It really gave me an idea of who Smashburger was, how they differ from the competition, and why I should return. I feel 'connected' to Smashburger now," said Stephen R. And that's exactly why we host Elite Events… All of the stellar reviews are on Yelp and you can view photos taken by Waitman Gobble on Flickr!
Until our next event, SYOY!
Abby S, Community Manager
