DENVER – Fast casual burger restaurant, Smashburger, has announced the launch of a new menu item, the Chorizo Cheeseburger, created by chef and restaurateur Rick Bayless. The Mexican-inspired limited time only (LTO) burger will be available at all Smashburger locations nationwide starting Nov. 30 through Feb. 15, 2022. During the LTO period, Smashburger is promoting donations to the Frontera Farmer Foundation, a nonprofit organization established by Bayless in 2003 to support small sustainable farmers in the Midwest. Smashburger and Bayless’ goal is to raise $75,000 to provide these organic sustainable farmers with capital development grants, Smashburger will match each customer donation made during checkout.

“Some of my favorite things in life involve melted cheese and chorizo sausage, so bringing those bold flavors to a juicy burger was a natural progression,” Bayless said. “Add Smashburger's top-quality, fresh ingredients and this Chorizo Cheeseburger goes over the top. I'm thrilled that this delicious collaboration will yield even more good food through its support of our Frontera Farmer Foundation, which has awarded nearly $3 million in capital improvement grants to family farms.”

Smashburger's first ever Mexican-inspired burger is made with Certified Angus Beef, topped with V&V Supremo's all-natural Mexican-style pork chorizo and then layered with melted cheddar cheese, house-made jalapeño pico de gallo, lettuce, and mayo, and served on a toasted chipotle bun. Smashburger partnered with popular Chicago brand V&V Supremo for its chorizo made with 100% natural pork containing no additional meat additives.

“Smashburger is thrilled to partner with one of the best chefs in the country who shares our passion for the culinary innovation process, while giving back to small community farmers,” said Carl Bachmann, president of Smashburger. “We love experimenting with unique flavor and taste profiles that complement our premium ingredients, so taking inspiration from Rick's expertise in Mexican cuisine seemed like a natural fit for our brand. Crafted with authentic cultural flavors, the Chorizo Cheeseburger by Chef Rick Bayless provides our guests with an elevated burger experience that you won't find anywhere else.”