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LEHIGH VALLEY WEATHER

Popular fast casual eatery opens its doors in Lower Macungie Township

Dan O’Shaughnessy has a few favorites on the Smashburger menu.

The spicy jalapeno baja chicken is one. The shakes are good, too.

And, to his own surprise, he likes the fried pickles.

However, O’Shaughnessy includes himself and his partners in the Smashburger demographic.

“We’re guys who like to eat burgers,” he said in a recent interview at the new location of the restaurant in the Hamilton Crossing retail center.

On Nov. 18, the fast casual restaurant opens officially with the grand opening of Hamilton Crossings, although O’Shaughnessy describes lines for service at approximately 10 people deep on recent Saturdays nights.

Gene Giordano, another partner in the business, points to the searing and seasoning process as among the highlights differentiating the eponymous entree from other burgers.

The burgers are made fresh, not frozen, with butter and a proprietary mix of seasonings. Each patty is smashed flat when an automated arm lowers itself onto the grill. And the meat is consistently seared to a temperature of 155 degrees Farhenheit, the optimal temperature for cooking ground beef.

The restaurant offers a variety of burgers, seasoned fries, chicken sandwiches, salads and milkshakes. The menu also includes build-your-own and vegetarian sandwich options.

The classic cheeseburger, Giordano’s favorite and barbecue cheddar burger are the flagship and top-selling regional burgers, respectively.

The partners also hope to be a presence in the community beyond the store’s doors by becoming involved in fundraising projects to support local causes and other outreach efforts.

Meanwhile, those curious, interested or familiar with the restaurant are welcome to stop in and, if bold, try the fried pickles.

“We plan to be here for as long as people will have us,” O’Shaughnessy said.

PRESS PHOTOS BY APRIL PETERSONABOVE: Dan O'Shaughnessy and Gene Giordano, among partners in Smashburger SB Philly LLC, flank a banner detailing how the specialty burger, The Philly Smashburger, is built. The ingredients include toppings of grilled yellow onions and Cheese Whiz melted cheese. The restaurant chain, with outlets nationwide and overseas, includes burgers designed to reflect tastes of