Emerging Brand Plans First Company-Owned Store

Smalls Sliders, which debuted in 2019, announced June 24 that it will accelerate its growth plans by developing company-owned and operated restaurants. The brand calls its stores “cans,” which feature 750-square-feet, prefabricated modular buildings. The method means “faster opens and fewer headaches,” according to its website. “It also means smaller footprints and simplified ops.”

The first company-owned restaurant will open in Georgia later this year.

Smalls Sliders has over 250 restaurants open or under development and aims for growth across new and existing markets as it ramps up expansion beyond its Southeast roots. It projects it will reach 40 open restaurants in 2024.

“Smalls Sliders has truly emerged in the QSR space,” says Don Crocker, chief development officer of Smalls Sliders and former Inspire Brands executive, in the release. “The development of our new company-owned cans signifies the commitment and investment in the longevity and health of our special brand. By augmenting our franchise focus with the company expansion of our footprint in key regions, like our home state of Georgia, we aim to enhance our brand presence and solidify our pathway to being a dominant player in the QSR industry.”