Smalls Sliders, the quick-service sensation that is redefining the cheeseburger slider experience, is officially entering the Florida market alongside existing franchisee Matt Gallagher.
Gallagher, who is currently developing the brand’s first four locations in Mississippi, has signed on to open four additional Cans in Pensacola. Gallagher has built a career spanning 40 years in the restaurant industry as a multi-brand franchisee with Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux and Outback Steakhouse. Inspired by founder Brandon Landry and investor Drew Brees’ proven vision, Gallagher was attracted to the simplicity of the Smalls Sliders model and its craveable menu.
“My passion for restaurants has led me to some pretty rewarding endeavors, particularly with brands conceptualized by Brandon Landry,” says Gallagher. “I see a lot of parallels between Brandon’s entrepreneurial journey and my own, so continuing to grow alongside Smalls Sliders felt like a natural fit. While developing my other Cans in Mississippi, I’ve experienced firsthand how game-changing the brand is to the QSR industry. I wanted to be involved with Smalls Sliders in its infancy stages and be a part of its evolution, so it’s an honor to bring the brand to Florida.”
Gallagher will partner with his two sons who will lead the daily operations at his locations in Mississippi and Florida. Gallagher aims to open his first Florida location sometime in 2024, with the remaining three Cans to follow. This agreement comes on the heels of a major achievement for the brand, as it surpassed 100 units under development in both new and existing markets such as Georgia, South Carolina and Texas.
“Working with restaurant industry veterans like Matt is always a pleasure, as they share our team’s passion for building industry-disrupting concepts,” says Maria Rivera, CEO of Smalls Sliders. “Matt’s experience in restaurant ownership and operations makes him an asset as we establish a presence in the Florida market, and his involvement will continue to strengthen the Smalls Sliders brand moving forward.”
Smalls Sliders opened its first restaurant in 2019 and has since grown to nine Cans throughout Louisiana, with over 100 locations already in the development pipeline. The restaurant has already garnered industry recognition, with QSR magazine featuring the brand in its “40/40 List for 2022: America’s Hottest Startup Fast Casuals” and its 2023 QSR 50 Contenders list.
