Sneak Peek: Smash House Prepares To Fire Up Downtown Leonardtown With Premium Burgers And Bold Pop-Art Style

LEONARDTOWN, Md. — Smash House is preparing to open its highly anticipated new location in downtown Leonardtown within the next two to three weeks, offering late-night smash burgers, a full bar and an atmosphere that blends retro pop art with a modern urban edge.

Located at 41656 Fenwick St., the new Smash House is underway and features a bold interior design highlighted by a black-and-white comic wall paired with vibrant neon signage. The visual theme evokes classic graphic novels and street art while creating an energetic, contemporary backdrop for a dining experience aimed at both casual guests and those drawn to bold, modern design.

During an interview with The BayNet, owners Jon Arakelian and Dave Helm said the concept began with their experiences as bartenders and grew out of a desire to fill a gap in the local late-night dining scene.

In a Facebook post, the owners stated, “From a black stone and dream, to our own four walls,” noting their passion for offering quality meats and customizable burgers to families, daytime regulars and late-night guests alike. Today, that concept is coming to life.

A key focus for Smash House is the quality of its beef, which the owners said sets their burgers apart. Arakelian said the restaurant sources its beef from Sassafras Farms in Dunkirk, Md., a local family operation known for raising Registered Black Angus cattle selected for marbling, tenderness and flavor. Sassafras Farms specializes in locally grown, naturally raised, grass-fed Angus beef — a choice the owners said reflects their commitment to superior quality and taste, a hallmark of Smash House’s menu.

“We pride ourselves in the quality of beef we serve,” Arakelian said. “And we just want to cater that to the community.”

Arakelian moved to Southern Maryland from Waldorf in 2005, while Helm has lived in the area since 2004. The business also credits Nick Boggs, a 30-year local resident described as a key part of the Smash House team. Smash House previously operated for three years at 22725 Duke St. in Leonardtown, with the owners hosting pop-up events before securing its own space.

The new location will offer the full Smash House menu, including its signature smash burgers, along with a full bar featuring beer taps and bourbon — summed up by the phrase Helm described as “Beer, Bourbon and Burgers.”

The restaurant recently unveiled an updated menu on its Smash House Facebook page, touting new mouthwatering burger creations and encouraging customers to order delivery through DoorDash or Grubhub, or to visit in person once the doors open.

As the opening date approaches, Smash House is positioning itself as a visually striking and community-focused addition to downtown Leonardtown’s evolving food scene. The new location will also have outdoor seating. Stay tuned for their soft opening!

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