Festival to Doorstep

How 4Burgers Reinvented Smash Burgers for Rijeka’s Delivery Scene

 Sandro Sklepic/
After festival fame and Zagreb setbacks, 4Burgers bets on a dark kitchen model to win over Rijeka‘s burger lovers.

The wave of popularity for smash burgers, known for their crispy edges and juicy interiors, has swept across Croatia in recent years. Entrepreneur Ivan Todorić recognized this market demand for simple yet impactful burgers, capitalizing on the trend with his 4Burgers chain, while also managing other well-known fast food brands, including Good Food, Purple Monkey, and Soho. Their journey began where new gastronomic hits are most easily tested—at festivals like Fuliranje, where they presented themselves to the public as an affordable and tasty option, confirming that Croatians are more than ready for this style of burger.

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Sandro Sklepic/

Encouraged by their initial success, 4Burgers decided to bring the festival spirit to city streets. The first location opened in the busy Zagreb Importanne Center, but it didn’t last long. Their next attempt was on Teslina Street, with a simple concept—several types of affordable smash burgers and sides. However, it turned out that what excites at festivals doesn’t necessarily win over customers in a classic restaurant setting. Both physical locations in Zagreb closed, forcing 4Burgers to make a strategic adjustment and fully transition to delivery. The company seems to have learned the hard way that a good burger at a festival is not automatically a guarantee of success in a static environment, where other aspects of the restaurant experience are expected.

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Marko Miscevic/Cropix

With that lesson learned, 4Burgers is now coming to Rijeka with a completely new energy and tactic. From the very beginning, they operate as a "dark kitchen," with no classic space for guests, focusing on fast, quality, and affordable delivery. The offer remains true to the original idea: three beef smash burgers in different sizes, priced from 6 to 8.50 euros, and one chicken burger for 6.50 euros—making them among the most affordable burger options in the city.

Orders can be placed exclusively via the Wolt platform, where discounts are often available for part of the menu. Delivery is available Monday to Friday and on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., and on Saturdays from 11 a.m.

Although Ivan Todorić quickly recognized the demand for smash burgers and adapted to the trend, the open question remains whether 4Burgers can build a stable and long-term brand relying primarily on delivery and current popularity. Will they manage to become a recognizable name that customers choose for quality and brand recognition, or will they remain just a temporary solution for quick and affordable food? Only time and the palates of Rijeka‘s audience will tell. Still, it‘s clear that 4Burgers brings new energy and a fresh approach, but their success will depend on their ability to adapt and build a lasting relationship with consumers.

25. kolovoz 2025 04:33