Willis is expected to get its very own Smalls Sliders — a cheeseburger slider chain that is backed by NFL quarterback Drew Brees.
Founded in 2019 by Brandon Landry, the Louisiana-based chain announced that several locations in Texas are to open, including locations in The Woodlands and Conroe areas. The restaurant chain is to open a Willis location, with construction of the building expected to be finished by July, according to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
“People are looking for more options up there as that city continues to grow,” said David Higgins, a spokesperson for the restaurant chain, noting that the recent opening of H-E-B also inspired the move. In November 2023, the city opened its first location of the San-Antonio based grocery chain. “It makes a strong traffic generator.”
Higgins said he anticipates Smalls Sliders to open in the city within the next four months.
Food is served out of a custom built storage container, with a drive-thru, outdoor seating and a walk-up window.
The menu features cooked-to-order sliders on a toasted buttered buns with cheese, pickles and a special sauce it calls “smauce.” Upgrades include double meat, bacon additions and fries with smauce and queso on top. Three milkshake flavors are available: vanilla, chocolate, and cookies and cream.
Smalls Sliders is also expected to open five additional locations in the Houston area. While exact locations have not yet been named, franchisees are exploring options in Pasadena, Baytown, Mont Belvieu, Summerwood, Deer Park and East Houston.
“I think for us, it’s bringing something that’s very unique for the community,” Higgins said, noting his and other franchisee Preston Cunningham’s involvement with the restaurant chain. “There’s a lot of options out there. And we gravitated, or were attracted to Smalls (Sliders) because of the quality. The brand itself is pretty awesome. It’s just a fun brand.”
Source: Houston Chronicle