A&W's First Smash Burger Launches Nationwide May 25
Hand-smashed grass-fed beef, real cheddar, and secret sauce. The burger chain joins the smash craze.
A&W is late to the smash burger game, but when a 70-year-old burger chain finally jumps in, they're coming in thoughtfully. The new smash burger, launching nationwide May 25, represents the company's first-ever entry into a category that's dominated casual dining for the past five years.
The burger itself is stripped-down perfect: hand-smashed grass-fed beef patties pressed hard onto a hot griddle for that crust-and-crust contrast, topped with real cheddar, tangy pickles, sliced onions, and A&W's signature sauce on a toasted brioche bun. You can order it single or double smash.
"Hand-smashed burgers are rarely done at this scale because it takes quality ingredients and thoughtful execution," said Karan Suri, senior director of innovation at A&W Canada. The company's emphasis on the beef quality and simplicity of the build suggests they're not just chasing a trend—they're banking on craft burger fundamentals.
Torontonians get an exclusive early taste: A&W is transforming a full location at 780 King St. W. into a smash burger pop-up on May 22 (noon–5 p.m.), offering complimentary double smash burgers while supplies last. The rest of Canada has to wait until May 25.
For a chain that built its reputation on beef, this feels like a long-overdue conversation with contemporary burger culture. Expect lineups.