The fast-food landscape in Houston is set to sizzle with the arrival of Smalls Sliders, the innovative cheeseburger slider brand known for its big flavors in small packages. In a strategic move to dominate the Southeastern market, Smalls Sliders has announced a 5-unit deal in the Houston Metro area, spearheaded by the dynamic duo of Lisa Albert and Steve Cavaliere.
Lisa Albert, a titan in the franchising world, brings an impressive 18-year tenure in the restaurant industry to the table. Her previous stewardship of 41 Pizza Hut restaurants and 67 Hardee’s franchises speaks volumes of her prowess and strategic acumen in the fast-food domain. On the other hand, Steve Cavaliere, the key operator of 14 Pizza Hut locations, boasts over 35 years of experience in the restaurant industry. His extensive background in growing companies and developing restaurants for notable brands like Pizza Hut, McCalister’s Deli, and Surf N Chicken underscores a legacy of excellence and innovation.
The excitement surrounding the Smalls Sliders expansion is palpable, with Albert expressing enthusiasm about the brand’s unique position in the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) industry. “The concept is reshaping the entire landscape of the QSR industry,” Albert remarked, highlighting the rare buzz Smalls Sliders has generated. Cavaliere shares this enthusiasm, thrilled about embarking on this new journey with Smalls Sliders, a brand he describes as incredible.
The launch of the first Houston-area ‘Can’—a term affectionately used by the brand for its locations— is scheduled for Q3 of 2024, with four more locations set to follow. The team is actively scouting potential sites in strategically chosen areas, including Pasadena, Baytown, Mont Belvieu, Summerwood, Deer Park, and East Houston, aiming to maximize their market penetration and brand visibility.
Maria Rivera, CEO of Smalls Sliders, expressed confidence in this partnership, stating, “We’ve set the stage for a fantastic year in 2024.” Rivera’s acknowledgment of Albert and Cavaliere’s seasoned expertise underscores the mutual respect and shared vision between the franchisors and franchisees, setting a strong foundation for the brand’s growth in Houston and beyond.
Since launching its first ‘Smorange™’ colored Can in 2019, Smalls Sliders has been on a meteoric rise, disrupting the QSR industry with its innovative approach to dining. The brand’s success is evidenced by its significant recognitions, including a feature in Nation’s Restaurant News’ “Breakout Brands of 2023” and a spot on QSR Magazine’s annual QSR 50 Contenders list, among other accolades.
As Smalls Sliders continues to expand its footprint, the brand stands as a testament to the power of innovation, quality, and strategic franchising in redefining the fast-food experience. With over 160 Cans open or under development, Smalls Sliders is well on its way to becoming a national sensation, proving that sometimes, the smallest packages indeed deliver the biggest flavors.
