Smalls Sliders Expanding Across Florida as Fast-Growing Burger Chain Opens New Locations
A fast-growing burger chain backed by former NFL quarterback Drew Brees is rapidly expanding across the United States—and Florida is becoming one of its newest growth markets.
Smalls Sliders, known for its small cheeseburger sliders and distinctive modular restaurants built from bright orange “Can” structures, has begun opening locations across the state as part of a broader national expansion strategy.
Where Smalls Sliders Comes From
Smalls Sliders was founded in 2019 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, by restaurateur Brandon Landry, who also founded the sports bar chain Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux.
The concept centers around a simple, focused menu including:
- cheeseburger sliders
- waffle fries
- milkshakes
- grilled cheese sandwiches
- the chain’s signature dipping sauce called “Smauce.”
Rather than building large traditional fast-food restaurants, Smalls Sliders often uses compact modular buildings—sometimes built from shipping containers—allowing the company to open locations more quickly and with lower construction costs.
The model has helped the brand grow rapidly, with hundreds of restaurants either open or in development nationwide.
Florida Expansion Already Underway
Florida is quickly becoming one of the brand’s key expansion markets.
One of the earliest Florida locations opened in Ocala at 3394 SW College Road, helping introduce the brand to the state.
More recently, the company has opened a Tampa Bay area location in Clearwater at:
2540 Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard
Clearwater, Florida 33765
The Clearwater restaurant marks one of the first entries into the broader Tampa Bay market and signals the company’s intention to grow across the region.
“Really good burgers! The menu is simple but everything is delicious. The staff was super friendly and it was a beautiful day so they opened the inside up to enjoy the weather. I will definitely be back and would recommend it to anyone interested.”
— Tiffany B. | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️| Via Google
“We placed an order for a party and were very impressed with the quality and flavor of the burgers. And let me tell you, they are an excellent size; ‘small sliders’ is just in the name! The meat was juicy and flavorful, the bun was fresh, and the pickles and sauce added the perfect finishing touch. Smalls Sliders, you’ve made it onto our weekend go-to list, thank you so much!!!”
— Jaque C. | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️| Via Google
Tampa Bay and Southwest Florida Growth
Franchise groups connected with the brand have indicated interest in developing additional locations across the Tampa Bay region, with markets including:
- Tampa
- St. Petersburg
- Clearwater
- Lakeland
- Spring Hill
- Sarasota
- Cape Coral
- Naples
These rapidly growing suburban markets are exactly the type of areas the company has targeted nationally for new development.
South Florida Development Plans
Expansion plans also include South Florida.
A franchise development agreement has been signed for multiple restaurants across Broward County, with potential locations in:
- Fort Lauderdale
- Pembroke Pines
- Davie
- Hollywood
- Coral Springs
- Pompano Beach
Why the Brand Is Growing So Quickly
Several factors have helped fuel the rapid growth of Smalls Sliders:
- simplified menu focused on sliders
- compact restaurant footprint
- modular construction model
- growing demand for fast-casual burger concepts
Many Smalls Sliders restaurants are only around 700–800 square feet, allowing them to fit into smaller commercial sites and open faster than traditional fast-food restaurants.
What It Could Mean for Florida
Florida’s population growth and suburban development have made the state one of the fastest-growing restaurant markets in the country.
Regions like Tampa Bay, Sarasota, and Southwest Florida continue to attract national restaurant brands looking to expand into new high-growth areas.
With its first locations already open and more development underway, Smalls Sliders may soon become a familiar sight across Florida’s restaurant landscape.
