Emerging Brands

Walk-On’s team to launch a fast-casual slider concept

Smalls Sliders, backed by a group including NFL star Drew Brees, is scheduled to open its first unit this summer with dreams of national expansion.
Photograph courtesy of Walk-Ons Bistreaux

The team behind Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar, including partner and NFL quarterback Drew Brees, is launching a fast-casual slider concept it hopes to expand nationwide, the company announced Friday.

Smalls Sliders is slated to open its first unit this summer in Baton Rouge, La., where Cajun-themed sports bar brand Walk-On’s is headquartered.

The restaurant will be built out of repurposed shipping containers, with a drive-thru as the primary ordering option. There will be outdoor seating only and a walk-up ordering window, according to a press release.

“Smalls was created a lot like Walk-On’s: ‘Hey, I have an idea,’” partner Brandon Landry said in a statement. “I told Drew about the concept and he was all in.”

In late 2017, Walk-On’s sold its catering business to fund the chain’s future expansion, echoing similar moves made by the concept in 2014 and 2016 when it sold off two small chains to fuel Walk-On’s growth.

At the time of the catering business sale, Landry said he looked forward to focusing solely on the expansion of Walk-On’s.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Brees, a Super Bowl MVP, joined the 25-unit chain as a co-owner in 2015.

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