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
