ARLINGTON, Va., Oct. 27, 2026 — Nash & Smashed has adopted Qu’s intelligent commerce platform to manage restaurant operations as the burger and Nashville hot chicken franchise grows from its current 35 locations. Founded in February 2024, the Virginia-based brand has more than 50 additional locations in development, with new markets planned in Richmond and Delaware.

Qu’s intelligent commerce platform connects front-counter point-of-sale (POS) systems, self-order kiosks, kitchen displays, first-party online ordering, third-party delivery and Qu Pay. About 40% of Nash & Smashed orders are digital, with most digital transactions placed through the brand’s own website. The platform gives franchise owners access to sales data, restaurant activity and kitchen performance reports across their locations.

Why Nash & Smashed Chose Qu

Nash & Smashed Chief Operating Officer Lamaan Malik said the franchise chose Qu for capabilities beyond those of its previous POS system. The earlier plug-and-play system was quick to install but did not track leakage or theft, offered limited menu customization and upselling options, and provided restricted reporting. Qu offers menu controls, reporting tools, and restaurant management functions.

“It’s not a POS; it’s an ERP solution for everything,” said Lamaan Malik, Chief Operating Officer at Nash & Smashed. “Every time we needed something customized, from tiered menus to how orders hit the kitchen, the Qu team turned it around fast. We’re not just running stores on Qu; we’re growing the business on it.”

Nash & Smashed CEO M.N. Abbasi first encountered Qu as a customer. Impressed by the platform, he directed colleagues to bypass their usual shortlist of POS providers and meet with Qu. After a product demonstration, the franchise decided to adopt the system.

Higher Average Checks

Qu’s menu tools allow Nash & Smashed to create tiered offers that its previous POS system could not accommodate. The earlier system offered one meal size and a flat add-on, limiting the franchise’s ability to promote larger meals and additional items at different prices. Qu enables the franchise to configure cross-selling and upselling options through its menu system.

New locations using customer-facing kiosks have recorded average checks up to 70% higher than those at the brand’s older restaurants. The platform also provides reports on sales and kitchen performance across the franchise, allowing owners to review restaurant activity and compare results among locations.

Onboarding Process

Qu assigned Nash & Smashed a dedicated group to configure menus, handle customization requests, and guide each restaurant through implementation. Before launch, franchisees could test the system in Qu’s lab, ask questions, and provide feedback. This process gave owners a chance to learn the platform before their restaurants opened and allowed Nash & Smashed to configure menus and operating functions for each location.

“Nash & Smashed is building a big brand fast, and they need a partner who can keep up without cutting corners,” said Steve Melamed, Chief Revenue Officer at Qu. “Our team works side by side with franchisees to configure the platform around how they run their business, so every new store opens ready to perform. Seeing their guests trade up on the kiosk and their owners get a real view into kitchen performance is what serving smarter looks like. We’re proud to be part of their growth.”

Malik also praised Qu’s features and onboarding process.

“Once I saw the functionality, I stopped the sales rep in the middle of the meeting and said, ‘I’m sold,’” Malik added. “The onboarding process was the most detailed I’ve seen, but the team made the whole experience easy. If you’re a growing brand thinking about Qu, close your eyes and just say yes.”

Future Plans

Nash & Smashed plans to use Qu at all new restaurants and is considering the platform for other restaurant businesses it may launch.

Existing locations in Arlington, Pimmit Hills and Virginia Beach, Virginia, serve hand-smashed burgers and Nashville hot chicken, with orders available through Qu kiosks. A location in Hyattsville, Maryland, is coming soon. A full list of restaurants is available at nashandsmashed.com.

Image credit: Nash & Smashed

About Qu

Qu is the intelligent commerce platform helping quick-service and fast-casual restaurants boost efficiency and grow revenue. The company’s cloud-based technology connects restaurant operations through its proprietary Business Edge, Qube, providing real-time information to help operators manage workflows, improve margins and deliver better guest experiences.

Based in Arlington, Virginia, Qu is backed by restaurant entrepreneurs and investors, including Cota Capital, Enlightened Hospitality Investments, Bobby Cox Companies and NRD Capital.  

About Nash & Smashed

Nash & Smashed is a restaurant franchise specializing in hand-smashed burgers and halal-certified Nashville hot chicken. Founded in February 2024 and headquartered in Fairfax, Virginia, the brand follows a “Fresh. Pure. Local.” philosophy. It operates 35 locations, with more than 50 additional locations in development.