Downtown Fort Lauderdale's riverfront landscape is gaining a new culinary anchor as Mr. Smash Burgers prepares to open its first location within the city at the reimagined Huizenga Park. The South Florida burger concept, which has built a substantial social media following and earned recognition from prominent food influencers, will operate from a custom-engineered kiosk within the park's retail pavilion along Las Olas Boulevard.
The expansion marks a significant milestone for the Oakland Park-based brand, which has garnered millions of views online and received attention from food influencers including MikeIsEating. The new location positions Mr. Smash Burgers as the only dedicated smash burger establishment in Fort Lauderdale, bringing its signature pressed-patty style to one of the city's most ambitious public space developments.
Huizenga Park is undergoing a comprehensive transformation designed to establish it as the centerpiece of Downtown Fort Lauderdale's connected park network along the New River. The redesigned space will feature expansive lawn areas, shaded seating zones, enhanced riverwalk connectivity, and designated areas for community programming. The integration of curated dining and retail components reflects a broader vision to create a vibrant, multi-use destination that serves residents, downtown professionals, and visitors.
Co-founder Riste Sekuloski characterized the move as "an important evolution for Mr. Smash Burgers and a chance to anchor ourselves within a landmark public space that will serve as a gathering place for residents and visitors alike."
The park location will offer the brand's core menu, featuring Classic Smash burgers prepared using the signature smashing technique that creates caramelized edges on thin beef patties. Guests will also find fresh-cut fries accompanied by house-made sauces, handcrafted milkshakes, and premium ice cream options. The kiosk service model will allow park visitors to order and enjoy their meals throughout the space, taking advantage of riverfront seating areas and the park's walkable promenade.
The strategic placement at Huizenga Park represents a departure from traditional restaurant formats, positioning the burger concept within an active public gathering space rather than a standalone storefront. This approach aligns with the park's design philosophy, which emphasizes accessibility, community engagement, and the integration of hospitality offerings into the natural flow of the riverfront environment.
Located at the intersection of Las Olas Boulevard and Andrews Avenue, Huizenga Park's transformation aims to strengthen pedestrian connectivity throughout downtown while providing a central gathering hub for the city. The park's programming will blend recreational activities, cultural events, and dining experiences designed to encourage extended visits and repeat engagement from the community.
Mr. Smash Burgers operates under the umbrella of RNB Hospitality Group, which manages multiple food and beverage ventures across South Florida, including Bandoleros Tacos. The hospitality group's portfolio reflects a focus on contemporary casual dining concepts with strong brand identities and digital presence. The success of the Oakland Park location, bolstered by viral social media content and influencer partnerships, provided the foundation for this expansion into a high-visibility civic space.
The burger brand's growth trajectory mirrors broader trends in the fast-casual dining sector, where social media visibility and distinctive culinary approaches have enabled smaller concepts to compete with established chains. The smash burger technique, which involves pressing seasoned beef balls onto a hot griddle to create thin patties with crispy, flavorful crusts, has experienced a resurgence in popularity among independent burger shops nationwide.
For Fort Lauderdale, the addition of Mr. Smash Burgers to Huizenga Park supports the city's ongoing efforts to activate public spaces with quality dining options that encourage community use. The park's redesign represents a significant investment in downtown infrastructure, with the goal of creating a destination that functions throughout the day and evening for various uses, from lunch breaks to evening gatherings and weekend recreation.
The integration of food service into the park environment follows successful models in other urban centers where public spaces have incorporated curated culinary offerings to enhance visitor experience and extend the time people spend in these areas. The kiosk format allows for efficient service while maintaining the open, accessible character of the park itself.
As the Huizenga Park redevelopment nears completion, the arrival of Mr. Smash Burgers signals the beginning of the park's activation as a true community gathering place. The combination of improved natural spaces, enhanced riverfront access, and quality dining options positions the park to become a defining feature of Fort Lauderdale's downtown district and a model for urban public space development in South Florida.
