Smalls Sliders, the rapidly expanding cheeseburger slider brand that’s shaking up the QSR (quick-service restaurant) industry, has officially reached a major milestone—300 locations either open or in development. Just six months ago, the brand celebrated hitting the 200-location mark, making this new achievement a testament to the massive demand for its signature “Cans” across the country.
The momentum behind Smalls Sliders has been nothing short of remarkable. Having captured the attention of multi-unit and multi-brand operators shortly after re-opening franchising a little over a year ago, Smalls Sliders has seen its fanbase explode, particularly in the Southeast, where it has established a loyal following. Now, with “Cans” open or under development across 24 states, the brand’s unique modular buildout and fresh, cooked-to-order cheeseburger sliders are set to take the nation by storm.
“It is remarkable to see that Smalls Sliders has struck a chord across the nation with established franchisees and Frequent Sliders alike,” said Don Crocker, Chief Development Officer of Smalls Sliders. “To see a restaurant brand maintain this level of momentum and continue surpassing notable milestones in such a short period is no small feat. The incredible growth and success of Smalls Sliders is underscored by our support center’s relentless drive to challenge the status quo and inspire continuous innovation.”
A Fast-Rising Brand with a Big Future
The Smalls Sliders story is one of rapid growth and industry recognition. In its first-ever appearance on the prestigious 2024 Inc. 5000 list, the brand ranked in the top 50% of the fastest-growing private companies in America. This accolade follows several others, including being named one of Nation’s Restaurant News “Breakout Brands of 2023” and securing a spot in QSR Magazine’s QSR 50 Contenders list for 2023 and 2024. Smalls Sliders has also been featured on Entrepreneur magazine’s “Top New & Emerging Franchises” list for two consecutive years.
“Reaching this milestone is not only a testament to the growing strength of our brand but a clear signal of the exciting future that lies ahead for Smalls Sliders,” said Maria Rivera, CEO of Smalls Sliders. “Our journey is just beginning, and the momentum we’re building will augment our broader vision of evolving the way people experience QSR. We’re not just serving cheeseburger sliders; we’re creating happy experiences that resonate with our Frequent Sliders.”
Coast-to-Coast Expansion in the Works
Smalls Sliders is set to expand far beyond its home in the Southeast. Currently, Cans are open across Louisiana and Mississippi, with the first locations in Florida and Texas eagerly anticipated to open this summer. In addition to the Southeast, Smalls Sliders has a robust development pipeline in states like Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, and others, while expanding into new territories such as Idaho, Indiana, and Montana.
Since its founding in 2019, Smalls Sliders has turned heads in the QSR industry with its simple yet highly effective model: small, fresh, cooked-to-order cheeseburger sliders served from a modular “Can” buildout with drive-thru and walk-up service. The brand’s growth is fueled by a stacked leadership team with decades of experience in the restaurant industry, as well as support from high-profile backers like 10 Point Capital and former NFL star Drew Brees.
Disrupting the Burger Landscape
At the heart of Smalls Sliders’ success is its streamlined, no-frills approach to delivering big flavor in small packages. By focusing solely on cheeseburger sliders, the brand has honed a menu that’s both simple and crave-worthy, positioning itself as a favorite among customers and franchisees alike. The Smalls Sliders experience is one that embraces quality, innovation, and the power of community—all while delivering a next-gen approach to fast food.
“Our focus remains on next-gen innovation, superior quality, and building lasting relationships in every community we serve,” added Rivera. “As we continue to expand across the country, we’re committed to ensuring that our Frequent Sliders have the best possible experience every time they visit.”
What Can We Look Out for With the “Cans”?
As of September 10th, 2024, the Small Sliders website lists 15 addresses as open. While the brand is gaining momentum in opening units, the ratio of open to in-development units will remain an important indicator to watch.
The modular concept is very exciting and has the potential to make opening locations quicker and easier for franchisees. It will be interesting to see how the modular concept is received as Small Sliders expands into the West Coast and Northeast, where zoning and architectural requirements may vary.
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