Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Valdivieso.
Hi Ashley, I’m so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, how can you bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
When my husband, Victor, and I first got together, all we talked about was the goal of opening a restaurant. We first started with our food truck, Victor’s Lab, in 2020. I have a background in Marketing, Advertising, and Events. Victor is our fearless Chef/artist and has excellent business acumen. Together, we make a great team, complimenting each other’s strong points and filling in each other’s gaps. Running Victor’s Lab for the last few years has been exhilarating, and we wanted to try our hand at expanding our brand. “Victor’s Lab” just didn’t seem like the right name for a brick-and-mortar, so we went with the ever so popular name of our smash burger- Smashley’s (also a tribute to my namesake) Burger Bar. It has been a labor of love, from expanding the food truck’s menu to the restaurant’s vibe.
Funny story: Before we opened the food truck, I named the burger after myself as a joke, intertwining the words “smash burger” and “Ashley.” We got a good laugh out of it. But talk about foreshadowing. We would have never guessed four years later that we would have a restaurant named after that little joke in our kitchen one summer day in 2020.
Let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
The food truck was a great starting point for opening a restaurant. It is similar to getting a dog before having a kid. You don’t have all the crazy of the former, but it still somewhat prepares you for the latter. Thankfully, working in North Charleston was relatively easy when it came to permitting, but it’s fantastic to see what other obstacles could happen. We had to hire a lawyer to fight for our name (which thankfully we have!), my husband had to have a significant surgery weeks before opening, which we did not anticipate, and we filled out the application for our beer/wine license incorrectly, the hurry up and wait game is a real thing, and the list could go on. But we persevered and took every obstacle head-on. There’s no point in allowing something to stop you. It can slow you down, but you should always overcome it and win- if not for what you are doing, but for yourself!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
While Smashley’s Burger Bar gives a feel reminiscent of 1980s classic Cocktail and a little tongue-in-cheek humor with its giant burgers eating fleeing humans through the Holy City, its smash burgers and bowls are what will keep your tastebuds telling you to keep coming back.
On the menu are several all-beef smash burger options like the O.G. (THE Smashley’s) from Victor’s Lab food truck with caramelized onions, house-made burger sauce, and cheddar cheese. Still, new options include the Righteous Brother (all-American), the Bleu Corvette (with blue cheese, tomato jam, truffle burger sauce, and smoked bacon) (you are welcome, by the way, forgetting that little ditty stuck in your head), and the Hey Zeus! (for all your Greek food lovers). All burgers come as a single patty or double option.
For those non-cow lovers or those who want something different, Smashley’s Burger Bar also has the Hot Asian Chick (Asian pepper spicy crispy chicken, honey glaze, and house-made pickles) and last but most certainly not least, the Southern Buddha (cauliflower patty for our vegetarian friends). There is also a smattering of starters on the menu, such as Zucchini Chips, Fried Cauliflower, Latin Fries, and PBR & Dr. Pepper Braised Chicken Empanadas. For those looking for a lighter entrée option at Smashley’s Burger Bar, we offer four different rice bowls- Beef Bulgogi, Chicken, Curry Lentil (hey, vegans!), and Fried Cauliflower.
Moms and Dads have no fear- there are kids’ options too! Adults can enjoy this great food with a rotating selection of ice-cold local beers, seltzers, and ciders. Coke products and tea are also available.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
No matter how great of an idea you have, someone always wants to tell you otherwise. You can either let it bother you or encourage them to do it better!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.smashleysburgerbar.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smashleysburgerbar/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Smashleys-Burger-Bar-100090593891468/
Image Credits
Jonathon Stout
