Local restaurant owner, former NFL star QB team up to bring new burger to Lexington
A red-hot burger chain known for its unique orange buildings is coming to Kentucky.
(No, it isn’t Whataburger.)
It’s Smalls Sliders, a fast-growing restaurant chain backed by former NFL quarterback and Hall of Famer Drew Brees.
Lexington restaurant owner Brad Scott, who is a co-owner of A.P. Suggins Bar & Grill and The Tulip Bistro + Bar, is planning to bring four locations of Smalls Sliders to the area, the first as early as this fall.
Scott, with his wife Dawn and son Blake and business partners Bryce and Christian Steele are looking for locations for the unique drive-thru slider restaurants.
Although Brad Scott has been in the Lexington restaurant business for almost 30 years, this will be his first venture into quick service.
“We were immediately drawn to Smalls Sliders because of its straightforward, yet incredibly effective approach, exceptional food quality, and vibrant brand culture,” Bradley said. “The brand’s commitment to innovation and excellence made it an opportunity we couldn’t overlook. Our goal is not only to launch four Cans but to grow our footprint and further expand across Kentucky, becoming a staple in communities along the way.”
These will be the first Kentucky locations of Smalls Sliders, which started in New Orleans.
Called Cans, Smalls Sliders restaurants are built in a pre-fabricated style, with a bright orange shipping container “porch” and sign. Each restaurant has both drive-thru and walk-up options. Seating is outdoors on the patio.
The restaurant has a streamlined menu: Just cooked-to-order cheeseburger sliders (with or without bacon), paired with waffle fries and shakes. And a grilled cheese, you’re looking for a vegetarian option. You can get queso, or “Smauce,” a signature sauce to go with anything.
The simple menu was part of the appeal for Brad Scott.
“We found this concept, researched it, loved the simplicity and straightforwardness ... the minimal menu, footprint and everything,” he said.
He said they are looking first for a location in Lexington but may have to go first in the surrounding communities
“Our goal is to get it open by the third quarter,” he said. “Because there’s not a whole lot to the construction side of it. Once it’s on the ground, it’s a 12-week process to get it open.”
The chain has been growing throughout the southeast, with locations now in Louisiana, Florida, Alabama, Arkansas, Missouri, Texas and Mississippi, with Georgia and South Carolina opening soon.
