A unique burger joint is sliding into South Denver.
Entrepreneur Andrew Schuman has signed a seven-unit deal for Smalls Sliders. The storefronts, known as “Cans,” feature a bright orange shipping container perched above each restaurant.
Schuman brings extensive experience in franchising and entrepreneurship to the Smalls Sliders system. He began his career in his family’s photo-finishing business, helping scale it to more than 60 locations across the Mid-Atlantic region.
He later invested in Hammond’s Candies, a Denver-based specialty confectionery company, where he led wholesale operations and business development before selling the business to a private equity firm in late 2024.
Schuman was looking for his next venture when he discovered Smalls Sliders.
“I was reading an article and it mentioned Drew Brees, who is involved with Smalls as one of the co-owners. That’s what initially grabbed me,” Schuman told What Now Denver.
He continued, “I did more research about what the actual footprint was, what they had built, and what they were trying to put out into the marketplace. It’s very forward. It’s very Gen Z. To me, it seems like the future of QSR [Quick Service Restaurant].”
Attracted to the brand’s simplicity, Schuman quickly came on board and met with the corporate team to get the “can” rolling.
“I know the complexity of manufacturing food and ingredients. We had over a thousand skews in my business, but with this, we’re doing burgers three or four different ways. It’s a slider. It’s fresh to order. We’re delivering a great product. The simplicity of the menu, coupled with the brand, clinched it for me,” he said.
The burger joint offers its original slider topped with melted American cheese, pickles and the signature “Smauce.” Fans can also try the Biggie Smalls burger which features double meat and cheese, with an optional bacon add-on. The menu is rounded out with seasoned cut waffle fries made from Russet potatoes and a selection of shakes.
To support the new development in South Denver, Schuman partnered with local real estate professional Andy Klein of Westside Investment Partners to identify and secure sites, with additional brokerage support from JLL.
He and his team are focusing on growing communities such as Parker, Castle Rock, Lone Tree, Lakewood, Aurora and Southlands.
“These are communities that are built and growing. I think what we see is a density of people, not only with traditional consumers, but we see business and commerce around as well,” he said.
Schuman is eager to play a role in the brand’s continued evolution.
“I think Smalls has a great product, and that product will continue to evolve into an even greater product. But it’s really the people that drive the business. I’ve always loved trying to assemble the right team together,” Schuman said.
He continued, “We’re not looking to develop 150 units. If you have seven to 10 units with a really nice group of people that are working together and have a common goal, it can become a really great family environment.”
The agreement builds on the brand’s early momentum in Colorado, following the opening of its first Northglenn location earlier this year, and brings the total number of Cans in development statewide to 17.
Schuman aims to open the first Can by next year.
“We’re fairly close on one of two spots,” he said. “I think if some things fall into place, we’re probably 12 months out from the first location, but I’m kind of planning for 18 months.”
Visit the Smalls Sliders website and follow along on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates.
