According to a company announcement, Small Sliders has signed a development agreement to bring at least four new Cans to North Austin over the coming years, with the first location targeted to open in 2027.
Founded in 2019, Smalls Sliders is known for its cooked-to-order cheeseburger sliders, seasoned waffle fries, and hand-spun milkshakes, served from its signature orange, shipping-container-style “Cans.” The brand has grown to more than 55 locations, with hundreds more in development across 30 states.
The deal is led by local entrepreneurs Arun Rao, Ramesh Gudapuri, Vara Pacha, and Ashok Reddy. Rao told What Now Austin that the group is evaluating sites across several North Austin-area cities, with Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Liberty Hill, and Leander currently its primary focus.
The search could extend further depending on site availability. The group has already completed an initial round of site tours with CLD Realty, and Rao said he expects to finalize a location within the next month, though the timeline could shift.
“The key is mainly having the right location. We want a highly visible location in an area where we can serve the community well,” he told What Now Austin.
This is Rao’s second Austin-area franchise venture tracked by What Now. What Now Austin previously reported on Rao and business partner Purna Durshanpalli bringing Crave Cookies to Leander’s Gateway 29 retail center, the first of several Crave locations planned for the area.
“We were looking for a dynamic concept growing at a rapid pace and bringing something new,” Rao told What Now at the time.
The group plans to build community ties with Smalls Sliders similar to those Rao has established with Crave, including sponsoring local events, staying connected with area fire departments, and donating first-month profits from new locations to first responders.
“I have a special place in my heart for the first responders,” he told What Now Austin.
The North Austin deal adds to Smalls Sliders’ broader growth across Texas. What Now Dallas has tracked expansion into North Richland Hills, Anna, and a second McKinney location. What Now San Antonio has also covered the brand’s recent debut in the Alamo City.
