Baltimore Bar Owner Brings Smashburger Concept to Canton

Melvin Daniels opens Wanna Smash franchise in former Shipyard Pub space

Mar. 30, 2026 at 9:34pm

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A high-contrast, silkscreen-style illustration of a hamburger bun repeated in a grid pattern, rendered in bright neon colors and bold black outlines to capture the retro-modern aesthetic of the new Wanna Smash restaurant.The opening of a new smashburger joint in Baltimore's Canton neighborhood brings a trendy Los Angeles dining concept to the city's vibrant food scene.Baltimore Today

Melvin Daniels, the co-owner of Mug Shots bar in Federal Hill, Baltimore, has opened a franchise of the Wanna Smash smashburger restaurant in the Canton neighborhood. The 1,200-square-foot Wanna Smash location features a modern, retro atmosphere and offers four signature smashburgers, including the 'Quickie' and 'Happy Ending', as well as a vegan burger option and a full bar - unique to the Baltimore location.

Why it matters

The opening of Wanna Smash in Canton represents the continued growth of the smashburger trend in Baltimore, as well as Daniels' efforts to bring a popular Los Angeles concept to his hometown. The addition of a full bar also sets this location apart from the typical smashburger joint, potentially drawing in a wider customer base.

The details

Wanna Smash opened on Friday, March 30, 2026 in the former Shipyard Pub space at 3500 O'Donnell St. in the Canton neighborhood of Baltimore. The 1,200-square-foot restaurant features a modern, retro atmosphere and serves four signature smashburgers, including the 'Quickie' (double-patty with American cheese, grilled onions, pickles and smash sauce) and the 'Happy Ending' (double-patty with American cheese, grilled onions, teriyaki sauce and yum yum sauce). The menu also includes a vegan burger option and a children's cheeseburger, with the ability to have the smashburgers chopped up and served on top of fries. In addition to the food menu, Wanna Smash offers milkshakes and has a full bar, which is unique to the Baltimore location.

  • Wanna Smash opened on Friday, March 30, 2026.

The players

Melvin Daniels

The co-owner of Mug Shots bar in Federal Hill, Baltimore, who has opened a franchise of the Wanna Smash smashburger restaurant in the Canton neighborhood.

Wanna Smash

A smashburger restaurant franchise that Melvin Daniels has brought to Baltimore, opening a location in the Canton neighborhood.

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The takeaway

Wanna Smash's arrival in Baltimore's Canton neighborhood showcases the city's appetite for unique dining experiences, as well as the entrepreneurial spirit of local business owners like Melvin Daniels who are willing to bring popular concepts from other cities to their own communities.