Columbus burger lovers discovered something special when two veterans-turned-burger-slingers brought their food truck dream to life in 2023.
Smash Buddies now operates from a permanent location at 460 S Front St in the heart of downtown Columbus.
What started as backyard cookouts evolved into one of the best smash burgers the city has to offer.
What Makes Smash Buddies Special
The owners’ military background—both served in the US Army 2nd Ranger Battalion with two deployments to Afghanistan together—instills serious discipline in their burger-making process.
The West Coast minimalist approach means just beef, cheese, and their secret homemade sauce, but those simple ingredients create maximum flavor.
Burgers get smashed paper-thin on brioche buns, creating that delicate, aerated, crispy texture that defines great smash burgers.
The Story Behind Smash Buddies
Kole and Jared relocated from the Pacific Northwest to Ohio in 2022 and decided to quit their day jobs at a local asset management firm.
After serving together from 2012-2016 and reuniting in Columbus, they turned their cookout burgers into a business venture.
The brick-and-mortar location opened August 7, 2024, after months of perfecting recipes in their food truck across Columbus neighborhoods.
Food Highlights
- Classic Smash Burger – Double patties with American cheese and signature Yacht Sauce on brioche bun delivering West Coast authenticity.🍔
- Jalapeno Popper Burger – Double patty with thick-cut bacon, provolone, grilled jalapeños, and balsamic onion jam creating flavor bombs.🍔
- Smash Burger Grilled Cheese – Gooey cheese, crispy beef, and secret sauce tucked between buttery Texas Toast.🧀
- Tots with Buddy Rub – Crispy tater tots tossed in their signature Buddy Rub seasoning blend that keeps people coming back.🍟
- Weekly Special Burger – Rotating creative combinations showcasing seasonal ingredients and new flavor profiles.🍔
- Smash Dog – All-beef hot dog topped with a smash patty, American cheese, pickles, and onions on a hot dog bun.🌭
The Atmosphere at Smash Buddies
The location sits in a courtyard off Front Street, creating a hidden gem vibe that’s perfect for summertime outdoor dining.
A shared door with the neighboring bar brings live music and vibrant energy into the relaxed burger shack atmosphere.
The veteran-owned operation maintains a welcoming, sports bar ambience that makes everyone feel at home.
Bottom Line
These Army Rangers went from deployments in Afghanistan to deploying some of Columbus’s best burgers in less than two years.
The Oklahoma-style smash technique creates those crispy edges and perfectly caramelized crusts that burger purists demand.
At prices under $20 for burger and tots, you’re getting seriously good food from veterans who take pride in every single burger they make.
Address: 460 S Front St Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: (614) 456-7069
Hours: Mon: Closed | Tue-Thu & Sun: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM | Fri-Sat: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM