Smalls Sliders, the mini burger concept started by the founder of Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux along with former NFL star Drew Brees, has hired its first CEO as it makes plans to expand.
Joe Lewis comes to Smalls Sliders after most recently serving as CEO of Twist Brands, a franchisor of experiential arts-and-crafts concepts such as Painting with a Twist and Color Me Mine. Before that, he was vice president and general counsel for Smoothie King, eventually serving as the chain’s president and CEO.
At Smoothie King, Lewis joined the company when it had 39 locations. It grew to more than 950 global units during his tenure.
Joe Lewis, photo courtesy of Smalls Sliders
“Joe’s experience in building franchise icons and expertise in franchise relations make him the perfect fit to assume the reins ahead of our expansion,” co-founder Jacob Dugas said in a statement.
Smalls Sliders opened in September 2019 in Baton Rouge, La, the hometown of Walk-On’s. The restaurant is constructed from repurposed shipping containers and has a drive-thru and walk-up windows—no indoor seating.
The restaurant features a simple menu of sliders, fries, shakes, queso and sodas. Customers can also order packs of 25, 50 or 100 sliders.
With Lewis on board, the brand plans to launch a franchising push across the Gulf South in markets such as New Orleans, Houston and Mobile, Ala.
"I am excited about this unique opportunity to work with a quality veteran franchise ownership group who have made a commitment to grow the brand from the ground up the right way," Lewis said in a statement. "This team understands the focus must be on building a culture of people first, franchise support and profitability. The result of this focus is already showing in impressive unit economics from their first location.”
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