More meat, more problems? Smashburger has reached a settlement in a class action lawsuit for $5.5 million after customers were mad they were promised “double the meat” — but said they ended up receiving the same amount as a single burger, split in two.
The customers went to court over “Where’s-the-Beef-Gate,” and now Smashburger might owe you money. How much and when will you get it? We’ll give you the details:
Why was Smashburger in a class action lawsuit?
The burger chain was sued after consumers alleged Smashburger falsely advertised their Triple Double Burgers as “double the beef.” (It’s a confusing name … the burgers claimed “triple the cheese, double the beef.”)
Instead of double the beef, customers said they actually got two patties that added up to the same amount of beef as a single patty. And had they known they weren’t actually getting more meat, customers claimed they wouldn’t have bought the Triple Double burgers.
How much was the Smashburger settlement for?
Smashburger settled for $5.5 million to resolve the lawsuit, but in the settlement they denied any wrongdoing.
How do I know if I qualify for the Smashburger settlement?
If you bought a Smashburger Triple Double French Onion Triple Double, French Onion Triple Double, or Pub Triple Double burger between July 1, 2017, and May 31, 2019, then you’re eligible for a piece of the settlement.
How much will I get paid by the Smashburger settlement — and when?
If you qualify for the settlement, you could receive up to a $20 cash refund. Class members will get the value of the burgers at $4 each, capped at five burgers. If you don’t want cash, then you can opt to get up to $20 in Smashburger vouchers — up to 10 valued at $2 each.
If you choose cash, you’ll receive payment via prepaid MasterCard, direct deposit to a bank account, Venmo, Zelle, or check. If you choose vouchers, you’ll get them sent to the email you use in your claim.
The settlement isn’t officially locked in; final approval is expected on Jan. 30, 2023, and the money would be sent within 90 days after that (if the judge approves).
How do I submit a claim — and when is the deadline?
To submit a claim, go to the Smashburger settlement website and enter your name, address, email, and the total number of products you received. You won’t need proof of purchase to make a claim. (Just know it’s illegal to make a claim if you’re not actually qualified to make one.)
Class members must submit a claim by Jan. 17, 2023.
This isn’t the only time Smashburger has been sued over the Triple Double burger.
In 2017 fast-food competitor In-N-Out Burger sued Smashburger, claiming copyright infringement over the use of the “Triple Double” burger name. They settled the lawsuit in 2019 for an undisclosed amount, but before the lawsuit was over, In-N-Out tacked on a complaint of false advertising … a claim that was later picked up by the class action lawsuit.
Related: Get to know all the about the secret menu at In-N-Out
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