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Smalls Sliders draws backing from Walk-On’s investors

Container-based burger concept will debut in Baton Rouge

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

March 15, 2019

2 Min Read
Smalls Sliders draws backing from Walk-On’s investors
Rendering courtesy of Smalls Holding LLC

Smalls Holding LLC, with backing from Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar investors, plans to debut a shipping-container concept called Smalls Sliders this summer in Baton Rouge, La., one of the co-founders said Friday.

Jacob Dugas, who is creating Smalls Sliders with Scott Fargason, has drawn investments from casual-dining Walk-On’s investors Brandon Landry and New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees for the project, which will include a drive-thru, walk-up order window and a patio, but no indoor seating.

Both companies are based in Baton Rouge, where Smalls Sliders plans to open its first location about a mile from Louisiana State University’s Tiger Stadium.

“The container design is a quicker way to do the construction and site work,” said Dugas in an interview Friday. “We saw that as a big advantage.”

The container offers 950 square feet for food-preparation and storage space.

“The smaller footprint lets us really focus on the customers and the food,” Dugas said, noting that Tampa, Fla.-based Checkers & Rally’s has found success with the format.

The first unit will have a single drive-thru.

“If it were a high-volume unit, a second drive-thru would be a must,” Dugas said. “And we think we can be really efficient on the labor side.”

Bench-style tables outside on the patio will offer seating for 25 to 30, he said.

Dugas said he expects the menu of sliders, fries and milkshakes, which could be sold in packs, to appeal to a large demographic and even be popular on football game days for tailgating. Smalls Sliders will be open 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. or midnight, with later closings on weekend nights.

Dugas’ uncle is Landry, who invested in Smalls Holding with Brees, who has been an investor in Walk-On’s since 2015.

Walk-On’s has 25 casual-dining locations.

Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected]

Follow him on Twitter: @RonRuggless

About the Author

Ron Ruggless

Senior Editor, Nation’s Restaurant News / Restaurant Hospitality

Ron Ruggless serves as a senior editor for Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN.com) and Restaurant Hospitality (Restaurant-Hospitality.com) online and print platforms. He joined NRN in 1992 after working 10 years in various roles at the Dallas Times Herald newspaper, including restaurant critic, assistant business editor, food editor and lifestyle editor. He also edited several printings of the Zagat Dining Guide for Dallas-Fort Worth, and his articles and photographs have appeared in Food & Wine, Food Network and Self magazines. 

Ron Ruggless’ areas of expertise include foodservice mergers, acquisitions, operations, supply chain, research and development and marketing. 

Ron Ruggless is a frequent moderator and panelist at industry events ranging from the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators (MUFSO) conference to RestaurantSpaces, the Council of Hospitality and Restaurant Trainers, the National Restaurant Association’s Marketing Executives Group, local restaurant associations and the Horeca Professional Expo in Madrid, Spain.

Ron Ruggless’ experience:

Regional and Senior Editor, Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality (1992 to present)

Features Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1989-1991)

Restaurant Critic and Food Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1987-1988)

Editing Roles – Dallas Times Herald (1982-1987)

Editing Roles – Charlotte (N.C.) Observer (1980-1982)

Editing Roles – Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald (1978-1980)

Email: [email protected]

Social media:

Twitter@RonRuggless

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ronruggless

Instagram: @RonRuggless

TikTok: @RonRuggless

 

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