2024
National Food Service Workers Day
Wow Awards
2024 Winners
Why is Smashburger a great place to work? It is simple, OUR PEOPLE. We asked our teams to prove that by nominating their peers and tell us all about what their peers do to WOW them at work. We wanted to know how they demonstrate our core values or go above and beyond the call of duty. The responses were outstanding, and we will be sharing these back to our teams to celebrate the nominations. Thank you to all who participated and congratulations to our winners featured below.
Julio J. - Brick, NJ
Julio is my #1 employee! He's always happy and always working hard! Julio can handle the kitchen for extended periods of time all while maintaining a positive spirit and work ethic. He brings everyone around him up! He is a very helpful coworker and never complains. Very reliable and never misses a day of work and always has a smile on his face.
Elijah S. - Louisville, KY
Elijah goes hard everyday, working the front, talking to every guest, Elijah has gotten 10-12 surveys in one shift. Elijah legitimately cares about people. You can definitely tell by the comments the guests write about Elijah!!
Taurean Smith
TJ goes above and beyond every day to ensure guests get the best experience possible. Whether it's smashing burgers or interacting with guests, he's always looking to put a smile on others faces.
Jenna O. - Kingsley, SC
Jenna is a long term associate that has earned the responsibility to open the store, complete the prep list accurately and complete all prep tasks. Jenna knows every station and function in the restaurant and is a solid reliable self starting on-time associate that always operates integrity, leaning in every shift to do the best work she can.
Christian R.
He is a real I can do this the fastest and the best ever kind of kid he will put himself first too step in on a large order and attack every position with skill and speed that reflects gold standard daily
Sarai S. - East Brunswick, NJ
I nominate Sarai due to the simple fact that she is the epitome of what Lean In is all about. Her constant drive on every shift she runs is one for the books. During Lean In training she helped bring those that could not make the training for their own stores to other locations. That shows dedication. I'm very grateful to have her a part of this district and looking forward to her future with the company.
Lakita J. - Monclair, NJ
Lakita exemplifies 100% what it is to be a model lean in team member. She keeps the team motivated and her food presentation is phenomenal! Always follows spec and willing to train others to achieve the same results. She is kind, patient, coachable, and an all-around a hard worker. Lakita gives it her all no matter how her day is going or how busy it is.
Hunter C. - northglenn, co
Hunter is developing into a trainer with shift leader not far behind. He has accepted all the changes that have be happening with the rebranding with great enthusiasm and is really taking pride in developing new employees and taking the best care of customers he possibly can.
Dylan M. - East Brunswick, NJ
Team member has shown great interest and enthusiasm for the lean in already started studying and memorizing specs also has attended at least two lean ins to make sure he’s prepared for himself for the rollout and the coming week, and has been asked to be quizzed by management to make sure he has everything in his head for the big day
Ashley D. - totowa, NJ
Ashley is a hard worker who always goes above and beyond. She is humble and always eager to learn and take on more responsibility. In our current Lean In campaign, Ashley has taken it upon herself to show team members the proper procedures for our new menu. She did all of this on her own, without anyone asking her to take the lead. Ashley is currently a shift leader who is willing to work that she is needed, FOH or BOH.
2024 Nominees - Thank you for all that you do!
| Location | Nominee | How did they Lean In? |
| Bruckner, NY | L.M. | L.M. is very dependable and Gold Standard Cook. She goes above and beyond creating Great food for our guests. Not only is the food Gold Standard her work ethic/routines ensure Gold standards throughout the BOH. L.M. goes above and beyond with cleanliness/organization to ensure kitchen Operations run smooth. Always takes on a challenge/rush/call outs with professionalism and grace. L.M. truly is a role model for all on what should be done and what can be possible if you just 'Lean in' |
| Colorado Springs | A.P. | He is very hardworking and positive. He takes criticism gracefully and applies feedback when it's necessary. He creates a positive work environment for everyone. As a cook he does table touches and asks customers how everything tastes and if they need anything. |
| DTC, CO | S.H. | He is always here, working hard try to help another all the time. Very kind |
| East Brunswick, NJ | C.Z | Employees are back house trainer before the lean in. He’s constant with gold standard. It’s not gold. It’s not sold also during lean in. He has helped with fellow employees doesn’t understand health quiz kids getting them ready for the coming week. Will be our go too for making sure all the spec is ahead too |
| Houston, TX | V.W. | She is very interactive person , work with passion . |
| Laguna Crossing, CA | N.H.S | This employee is great with costumers and always upsells |
| Lindenhurst, NY | S.P | S.P. always puts her all into her work and gets her work done extremely efficiently. She always comes in with a great attitude and keeps the staff on task. S.P. is a very hard worker and an amazing manager on the team. She goes above and beyond to get any task asked of her done. Guests love her and with her enthusiastic bubbly personality I see why. She deserves to be recognized for her hard work. S.P. is a great manager she is easy to respect and get along with she always helps us accomplish our tasks She is a perfect example of good working capability |
| Lindenhurst, NY | A.M. | A.M. LEANS IN! she’s a team player and looks out for the best interests with everyone at her restaurant! She’s always on top of everything and makes work a nice environment for all. A.M is a boss who I can look up to she’s very respectful and knows how to engage me in our promotions and upcoming events |
| Mayfair | I.W. | They do a good job for making burgers and expo and is helpful and nice |
| Queen Creek, AZ | A.S. | This person has been with the company for over a year and does way more tasks than they are positioned for. They genuinely care about sales, getting customers to be rewards members and knows many, many regulars by name and order. They are a perfectionist when it comes to the food they put out, made with care and delicacy. They coach team members well and nicely. |
| Westwood, MA | A | I am nominating A. because I feel A. always delivers and will run a shift perfectly always helping no matter with what and just an overall amazing shift lead |