Ex-McD franchisee Kruger signs on with Smashburger

Irwin Kruger, a longtime McDonald's franchisee in New York City who left the system earlier this year, said Wednesday he has inked a deal with fast-casual burger brand Smashburger.

A McDonald's franchisee for 42 years, Kruger said his company, ISK Systems LLC, would open its first Smashburger restaurant later this year on New York's Long Island, thus establishing the Denver-based brand's presence in the New York area. He said he plans to open 20 stores in the area eventually.

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