Smalls Sliders has its foundation in place [Video]

Just a year ago, Smalls Sliders was recognized by Nation’s Restaurant News as an NRN Breakout Brand. Now, with about 180 units open or under development in eight (soon to be nine) states, the fledgling brand is positioning itself as a disruptor in the intensely competitive burger category.

Founded in 2019 by Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux creator Brandon Landry, the first Smalls location opened in Baton Rouge, La., and quickly garnered plenty of attention. That’s because the concept features a focused menu of cheeseburger sliders, waffle fries, shakes, and fountain drinks served from a roughly 800-square-foot modular shipping container, or “can,” as the company calls it. Former NFL player (and likely Hall of Famer) Drew Brees was among those who paid attention early on, and the quarterback became an early investor alongside 10 Point Capital.

With this simple menu and operating model in play, Smalls investors knew they wanted to scale the concept …