Smalls Sliders, the trending cheeseburger slider concept, has announced its latest multi-unit agreement to open six locations across Missouri and Arkansas.
The expansion will be led by the ownership duo of Amber and David Kearbey and their operations manager, Matt Crews, according to a press release. The Kearbeys tells What Now Memphis they plan to start with a location in Jonesboro, expected to open in the next six to eight months. The group plans to open the next five locations over the next three years. While the Kearbey’s already have experience with franchising through McCallister’s Deli, they say the team behind the company is what really attracted them to Small Sliders.
“When looking for our next business venture, we wanted to invest in a brand that allowed us to have a close relationship with the entire team,” Amber said in a press release. “We were immediately attracted to Smalls Sliders for the unique structure of the Cans and the fresh, cooked-to-order sliders. After meeting the Smalls Sliders Squad, we knew that we made the right decision. The team has been very helpful and insightful, making this process seamless. David, Matt, and I are proud to be a part of the brand’s incredible growth and look forward to opening our first Can soon.”
Smalls Sliders opened its first restaurant in 2019 from Louisiana and has grown to eight locations in the state, with more than 60 locations already in the development pipeline. The company is working on new locations in Flowood, MS; Gonzales, LA; and West Monroe, LA. While Small Sliders has only been around for four years, it has become very popular. QSR magazine featured the brand in its “40/40 List for 2022: America’s Hottest Startup Fast Casuals” and its 2023 QSR 50 Contenders list, while last year, Nation’s Restaurant News named the restaurant one of the publication’s “Breakout Brands of 2023.” The Kearbeys will bring the brand to Missouri and other parts of Arkansas, including Fayetteville and Rogers.
“Amber, David, and Matt bring a wealth of knowledge to their Smalls Sliders ownership, and we’re thrilled that they’re joining our brand during such an exciting time,” Maria Rivera, CEO of Smalls Sliders, said in a press release. “With so much experience under their belt, I’m confident their team is the perfect one to bring our name to these new communities across Missouri and Arkansas. We look forward to supporting them as they begin developing their Cans.”
