Drew Brees-backed restaurant opens in New Orleans area

Photos courtesy Small Sliders

Smalls Sliders, which focuses on premium cheeseburger sliders, plans to open in Marrero on Thursday, May 25.

The concept features both drive-thru and walk-up ordering.

The brand’s eighth restaurant is located at 1635 Barataria Boulevard.

The restaurant will operate under the local ownership of Rick Robards, a seasoned multi-unit operator with over 13 years of experience in the restaurant industry, according to a news release. Robards intends to scale Smalls Sliders across the area, with plans to open several more locations in the future. Robards is a veteran of the U.S. Navy. His wife and business partner will also play a key role in the business as co-owner.

“First and foremost, my wife and I want to use our new restaurant as a vehicle to make a difference in our community,” Robards said in a news release. “Smalls Sliders is a totally unique concept. Beyond delicious cheeseburger sliders, it provides a fun and enjoyable experience for guests…We can’t wait to share the Smalls experience with the Marrero community.”

The brand recently opened a location in Denham Springs and commenced construction in Lafayette. Plans were announced in May 2022 for a location in Metairie. A spokesperson said Wednesday the Metairie location is “very close to signing a lease.” Locations also include Slidell.

Smalls Sliders opened its first restaurant in 2019 and has since grown to seven locations, with more than 40 locations in development.

Smalls Sliders was founded by Brandon Landry, with former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees joining him as an initial investor. It is backed by industry veterans at 10 Point Capital.

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