Smalls Sliders is one of the fastest-growing names in the limited-menu burger segment, built around a single hero product: fresh, griddle-cooked cheeseburger sliders served fast from a small, efficient footprint. For entrepreneurs scanning the QSR franchise landscape for a brand with real momentum and a modern operating model, this concept is worth a closer look.
Franchise · Food & Restaurant
Smalls Sliders Franchise
Fresh-griddled cheeseburger sliders from a fast-growing modular QSR format expanding across the U.S. Southeast and
$35,000
franchise fee
$1,500,000
personal capital
USD 1.3M – 2Mk
investment
200
U.S. locations
How much does a Smalls Sliders franchise cost?
Franchise fee
Amount paid when signing the contract
$35,000
Personal capital
Own funds required to complete the financing
$1,500,000
Total investment
Estimated total budget for the opening
$1,297,825 – $1,993,734
Ongoing royalty
6%
Advertising royalty
3%
Contract term
15 years
Minimum area
from 70 sq m
Locations in the U.S.
200
Locations worldwide
200
Figures declared by the franchisor — sources and verification date at the bottom of the page.
What it's about
- Founded
- 2019
- Units in the market
- 200
- Locations
- 200
- Type of business
- Quick-service restaurant (QSR) specializing in cheeseburger sliders
- Company
- Smalls Sliders Franchising LLC
Fact sheet
The right questions before you start
How the Smalls Sliders Can model works
Smalls Sliders was founded in 2019 by restaurateur Brandon Landry, with NFL legend Drew Brees among its earliest backers. The first unit opened in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, that same year. What sets the brand apart operationally is its building format: each location, called a Can, is a prefabricated modular structure of about 750 square feet, manufactured off-site in a climate-controlled facility. This approach shortens construction timelines, improves cost predictability, and lets the company replicate units with consistent quality across markets. The menu stays narrow by design — sliders, fries, shakes — which keeps throughput high and supports strong drive-thru performance, a format increasingly favored by operators chasing efficient unit economics.
Who makes a strong Smalls Sliders franchisee
The company is selective and targets experienced multi-unit operators rather than first-time restaurant owners. According to the official franchise application materials, Smalls Sliders looks for candidates with a background in QSR or multi-unit franchising, proven leadership ability, and the operational capacity to open and run several Cans at once. Applicants need a strong credit profile — a minimum credit score around 700 — along with a clean background check. Cultural fit matters too: the brand wants operators who connect with its hospitality-driven, community-oriented identity, not just investors seeking a passive return.
Investment levels and financial requirements
Smalls Sliders sets a notably high bar for financial qualification compared to many fast-casual concepts, reflecting its multi-unit development expectations. Officially published requirements call for a net worth of $4 million and liquid capital of $1.5 million. Industry press reports — not yet confirmed on the brand's own franchise pages — cite a total initial investment ranging from roughly $1.3 million to nearly $2 million per Can, an initial franchise fee around $35,000, a royalty fee near 6%, and an advertising fee near 3%. Prospective candidates should treat these figures as directional until verified through the official Franchise Disclosure Document provided directly by the Smalls Sliders development team.
How much does it cost to open a Smalls Sliders franchise?
Trade press reports cite a total initial investment ranging from about $1.3 million to nearly $2 million per location, with a reported initial franchise fee around $35,000. Officially, the brand requires a net worth of $4 million and liquid capital of $1.5 million. These figures should be confirmed directly with Smalls Sliders through the official Franchise Disclosure Document before moving forward.
What is the Smalls Sliders business format exactly?
Each location, called a Can, is a prefabricated modular building of about 750 square feet manufactured off-site for consistency and faster construction. The menu is deliberately narrow, centered on fresh-griddled cheeseburger sliders, fries, and shakes, supporting high throughput and strong drive-thru performance across markets.
What requirements does Smalls Sliders have for new franchisees?
The brand targets experienced, well-capitalized operators rather than first-time restaurant owners. Requirements include a net worth of $4 million, liquid capital of $1.5 million, a credit score of at least 700, a clean background check, and ideally prior experience in QSR or multi-unit franchise operations plus the capacity to develop several Cans.
What support does Smalls Sliders provide to franchisees?
Franchisees work with a dedicated support center team based in Atlanta that provides hands-on operational guidance and staff training. The brand has also introduced tools like the CanVan, a company-owned food truck used to help franchisees build community engagement and visibility in their local markets.
How many Smalls Sliders locations are there today?
As of early 2024, the brand reported roughly 200 Cans open or in development across Louisiana, Mississippi, and a growing pipeline spanning 13 states. More recent trade press coverage cites over 350 units sold or in development, reflecting continued rapid expansion, though this more recent figure is not yet confirmed on official brand channels.
Sources and data verification
The figures on this page come from the following sources:
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Smalls Sliders
Investment $1,297,825 to $1,993,734