Sliders restaurant concept aims for Springfield

A franchise group of a Baton Rouge, Louisiana-based sliders sandwich concept is eyeing Springfield as the company expands.

Smalls Sliders, a quick-service concept on cheeseburger sliders, signed a franchise deal with Amber and David Kearby for six locations in Missouri and Arkansas, according to a news release. Conor Mills, a spokesperson for Smalls Sliders, said Springfield is one of the cities targeted.

"There is no exact address for the location yet," Mills said via email. "Additionally, if all goes well, they plan to develop more locations."

Smalls Sliders restaurants operate in modular recycled buildings that company officials call "cans." Beyond sliders, the restaurant offers waffle fries and milkshakes, according to its website.

The Kearbys have restaurant experience with McCallister’s Deli units, according to the release. Their operations manager, Matt Crews, son, Alex, and family friend, Tyler Hensling, also are involved in the Smalls Sliders deal.

“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 Kearby said in the release. “We were immediately attracted to Smalls Sliders for the unique structure of the cans and the fresh, cooked-to-order sliders."

The franchise group plans to begin development on its first Smalls Sliders location near St. Louis in August 2024, said Mills. Officials say other locations, including Missouri stores in Springfield, Joplin and Cape Girardeau, would come after that.

Founded by Brandon Landry, Smalls Sliders has backing from former NFL quarterback Drew Brees, according to the release.

The company's website lists nine locations, all operating in Louisiana.