Smalls Sliders Still Coming To T-Town Despite Auburn Closure
A unique cheeseburger chain with a major investment by former New Orleans Saints star quarterback Drew Brees has plans to expand into Tuscaloosa and other cities across the state. However, Smalls has announced they are temporarily closing their first location in Alabama in Auburn.
The site near the Auburn University campus opened in 2024 but a press release from the company says it will shut down temporarily but gave no reason why. A movie theatre and other businesses close to the Auburn Smalls have recently been shuttered.
Baton Rouge-based Smalls Sliders signed a development deal for as many as five additional locations in Alabama, including Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, Huntsville, Decatur and Florence. The fast-growing company has opened or announced development of more than 350 locations in 30 states since the first one opened in 2019.
A site for the Tuscaloosa location has not been announced but corporate officials stated the temporary shutdown of the Auburn site will not impact the other planned Alabama franchise locations, including Tuscaloosa.
Smalls was founded by Brandon Landry, who also founded Walk-ons Sport Bistreaux, which already has a Tuscaloosa restaurant. He credits Smalls Sliders success to keeping things simple, from the menu to its distinct orange shipping container structure construction to quick and friendly service.
The company's menu consists of sliders on toasted, buttered buns with cheese, pickles and "Smauce," seasoned waffle fries, a grilled cheese sandwich, three kinds of milkshake (chocolate, vanilla and cookies and cream) and nothing else but upgrades, combo meals and party packs.
“I was initially drawn to the simplicity of the concept,” one of the Alabama franchisees Patrick Sullivan said when the initial announcement was made. “From the modular buildout to the drive-thru and walk-up options, it was unlike anything I’d seen – but the menu is what truly sealed the deal."
For the latest on Small's planned opening in Tuscaloosa and coverage of restaurant and retail development in west Alabama, stay connected to the Tuscaloosa Thread.
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