A fast-growing burger concept is breaking into the South Carolina market with a new location in northern Charleston.
Louisiana-based cheeseburger slider concept Smalls Sliders has signed a multi-unit agreement with local franchise group Sandlot Ventures, LLC. The five-restaurant deal gives exclusive franchising rights to Sandlot for Dorchester, Charleston and Berkeley counties and will bring the first Smalls Sliders location to South Carolina.
Founded by Brandon Landry and backed by investments from former pro football NFL quarterback Drew Brees and 10 Point Capital, Smalls Sliders hangs its hat on its premium cheeseburger sliders, along with menu add-ons like milkshakes, curly fries and queso. Smalls Sliders offers drive-thru and popular walk-up experiences from a unique modular shipping container design, with restaurants referred to as “Cans” by the brand due to their aluminum construction. Since opening in 2019, the brand has grown to nine locations across Louisiana with more than 80 locations in the development pipeline.
Leading the South Carolina growth pipeline is Sandlot Ventures owner, Elliott Strott. A Charleston local, Strott says he became familiar with the concept through his time in New Orleans, where his wife is from and they visit frequently. “It’s a really cool concept,” he told What Now Charleston. “I think it has the ability to be a disruptor, and I’m super excited about it.” Strott has a background in real estate and franchising in Charleston, but Smalls will be his first restaurant venture.
For the first of the five locations, Strott says they are targeting the northern part of Charleston – North Charleston, Ladson or Summerville. A specific site has not been determined. That restaurant is projected to open in summer 2024. The other four locations will follow, and will be spread around the tri-county area.
