Smashed Burger Co: Cambodia’s Smash Hit in the Burger Scene!
If you’re a burger lover in Cambodia, it’s hard to ignore the buzz around Smashed Burger Co. What started as an experiment in a small coffee shop in Takeo has become a thriving business. Behind the success story is Connor, an English expat who found his calling in perfecting the art of the smash burger. Naturally, we had to investigate and find out more!
Humble beginnings
“I sold my first smash burger in 2020,” said Connor, “out of my small coffee shop in Takeo town, and it changed my life. I developed a brand and created a menu just as a laugh, not really realizing how far I would take the idea!”
But success wasn’t overnight. From Takeo, Connor moved to Kampot, where he initially opened Three Little Pigs, an English breakfast café known for its dedication to authentic British breakfasts. “We were well-known for using the best quality produce, including proper English bangers and back bacon, using tinned plum tomatoes, and making our homemade hash browns. It was just as you would get it back home,” he says. But despite a packed house each morning, he found the profit margins weren’t enough. “The trouble was, although we were packed every morning, we weren’t making any money. The profit just wasn’t there. So I decided to open Smashed Burger Co.”
“I was nervous, as there were and are some great burgers in Kampot, but I decided to do it anyway,” he recalls. His decision proved fruitful: “The first day we did 50% off and sold 100 burgers in less than two hours. It was amazing. We jumped in at the deep end and learned a hell of a lot on that first day.”
Connor’s commitment to quality and customer feedback helped him refine his product. “We took feedback earnestly, and I worked my absolute ass off, perfecting each aspect of the process, and refining the product. We established a good reputation, and I have a lot of love for the people of Kampot because we wouldn’t be where we are today without you.”
Conquering the capital
In 2022, Connor set his sights on Phnom Penh and opened a delivery kitchen to test the waters in the bustling capital. “We were successful immediately, selling out almost every day,” he says.
“The trouble was, I wasn’t ready. I was working 14 hours a day doing everything—cleaning, prep, cooking, packing, and taking payments from delivery drivers. I was exhausted and couldn’t find staff that could handle the job.” Overwhelmed, Connor made the difficult choice to pause his Phnom Penh expansion, but he knew he’d be back. “A lot was learned in those few months, and I am glad we did it.”
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By the end of 2023, Connor found the right partners, Paul and Niklas, to help him finally bring Smashed Burger Co. to Phnom Penh in a permanent location. “A good friend of mine, Paul, and I, along with Niklas, decided to partner up and open in Phnom Penh. They invested in the Daun Penh branch, and we built what we have today. We are all very proud of what we have achieved, and I am grateful for them both for helping bring Smashed to the next level.”
Upsizing Smash
Connor’s ambitions for Smashed Burger Co. are far from limited to Phnom Penh. “I have a lot of plans for the future of Smashed Burger Co! Me, Niklas, and Paul will continue to work together in Cambodia, so look out for more branches coming in the future. Outside of Cambodia, I will be looking to open in other places in Asia and Europe too.”
For Connor, running Smashed Burger Co. goes beyond just serving great food—it’s about connecting with people and creating memorable experiences. “The best thing about this business (aside from the burgers) is the people,” he says. “Being in the hospitality business, you meet people from all walks of life and from all over the world. I have met some truly incredible people whose input and different perceptions of life have changed the way I think and helped me grow as a person.”
Key Philosophy
As for his business philosophy, Connor keeps it simple and focused. “I have always tried to focus on three things when running any business: producing the highest quality product possible, giving the best service possible, and providing excellent value. I believe we truly care about what we do, and it shows in our service and product. We try our best to keep our prices competitive, and I always make sure that there are value options to keep our menu as accessible as possible to as many people as possible.”
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And, of course, there’s the burger itself—the star of the show. “Smash burgers! The caramelized, beefy flavor that is produced by smashing high-quality Australian beef on a high-heat flattop grill is truly incredible,” he explains, giving insight into the careful technique that gives Smashed its signature taste.
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Connor also emphasizes his dedication to supporting the community by employing and training local staff. “We support the local community by employing local staff and bringing new flavors to local people. We treat our staff with respect and give them a fair wage. We work with them continually to give them training and help them grow.”
After nearly 11 years in Cambodia, Connor reflects fondly on his journey. “I fell in love with Cambodia after being here for about six months. The people are amazing, and I’ve experienced things I never would have back in England. I’ve spent most of my adult life here, and I’ve become who I am here.”
“I’m grateful to the people, friends, customers, and anybody who has contributed to the success of Smashed Burger Co. Thank you!”
For those ready to taste what all the hype is about, Smashed Burger Co. is located on Street 208 in Daun Penh, opposite HM Grand Central Hotel. Open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily (except Wednesdays), it’s a spot not to miss in Phnom Penh’s ever-growing food scene.
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 | https://www.cambodialifestyle.com |
 | +855 87 313 741 |
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Author: Tom Starkey
Tom Starkey is an International Development graduate from Sussex University with 12-years of experience across 4 continents, Tom's goal is that he wants to showcase his love for Cambodia, where he lives, works and now happily calls home.
