Austin Welcomes Expansion of Smalls Sliders Franchise
Austin is getting ready to see more of the popular burger chain Smalls Sliders, thanks to a recent expansion by local franchisee Jonny Rodgers. Originally, Rodgers signed a deal to open five locations in North Austin, but he has now expanded his plans to a total of nine locations. Looking even further ahead, he expects to open between 15 and 20 Smalls Sliders within the next five to eight years.
Plans for Growth and Locations
Rodgers’ agreement allows him to operate throughout the Austin metro area, aiming to reach as far south as Kyle and as far east as Bastrop. The new burger joints, which operate out of shipping containers affectionately called “cans,” promise not just tasty food but also a unique dining experience. The idea behind using shipping containers is to create a quick and efficient construction process while maintaining a cozy, inviting feel for customers.
Fast Construction with Shipping Containers
The layout of these restaurants will be approximately 800 square feet each. Once a shipping container is placed at its location using a crane, the main tasks left are connecting utilities and setting up the interior to welcome guests. According to Rodgers, this design allows for real estate flexibility with a small footprint and leads to rapid construction. He mentioned, “It’s almost a 12-week sprint to the finish line.”
A Local Touch in Development
Even though Smalls Sliders is based in Atlanta, the idea to develop in Austin was inspired by local connections. Rodgers, who grew up in Austin alongside Drew Brees, the retired NFL quarterback and Smalls Sliders backer, was prompted to reach out to Brees after seeing him post about the burger chain on social media. Curious, Rodgers asked Brees if he was involved with the brand, leading to the franchise opportunity.
Securing Locations Wisely
To help with property deals, Rodgers recruited old friends Cole Brodhead and Hutch Hutchings from Edge Realty Partners. They are currently working on securing properties, particularly one near I-35, and have issued around seven letters of intent so far. The strategy for securing locations includes options like leasing, ground leasing, or even purchasing land, allowing for flexibility in choosing high-growth and high-traffic areas for the new restaurants.
Anticipated Opening Timeline
Rodgers expects to have the first Smalls Sliders open in summer 2025, but this timeline depends on a permitting process that usually takes six to nine months. He is hopeful about starting with three locations in the coming year.
Financial Insights and Market Presence
Each new Smalls Sliders location could require investments ranging from $1.5 million to $2 million, which includes franchise costs and fees. Despite the startup investment, the potential profit appears promising; the first can unit reported bringing in $2.4 million in revenue, demonstrating that there is a keen market for this fast-casual dining option. Currently, Smalls Sliders has about 290 stores either open or in development, highlighting its growth across various regions.
Conclusion
As Austin prepares for an influx of Smalls Sliders locations, residents can look forward to enjoying delicious sliders served in a modern, creative environment built from shipping containers. With so much planned for the future, it seems this burger joint is poised to become a beloved staple in the local dining scene.
