The burger chain that's taking on Five Guys and McDonald's reveals the 'archaic technique' it uses to create its burgers

Hollis JohnsonThe fast-casual better-burger business is thriving, as companies like Shake Shack, Five Guy's, and Smashburger expand across the US. However, to succeed in the burger industry in 2016, you need to have a special something.

With locations in 32 states and seven countries, Smashburger is preparing to take over the burger business from coast to coast. The one thing that sets Smashburger apart from the competition: the smashing process that allows the chain to make a burger completely different than anything else on the market.

The company uses what Smashburger founder and McGriddle creator Tom Ryan calls an "old archaic technique on modern equipment." Instead of just grilling a pre-packaged patty, the company uses a smashing technique that has been around for more than a century.

At a recent event in a New York City Smashburger location, Ryan took Business Insider behind the scenes to see exactly how the chain creates the burger that sets Smashburger apart.