Innovative Cheeseburger Slider Brand Joins Forces with Experienced Operators to Grow Southeast Footprint

ARKANSAS AND MISSOURI – Smalls Sliders, the industry-disrupting cheeseburger slider brand, has signed a multi-unit development agreement to develop four new Cans in Northwest Arkansas and Missouri. Spearheaded by brothers Joe and Tim Rheem and business partner Johnny Hughes, the team is eager to strengthen the brand’s presence in two markets that are prime for growth.

Joe and Tim bring a strong track record as successful franchise operators for numerous notable QSR concepts, pairing hands-on ownership experience with a disciplined, growth-minded approach. Their partnership is further strengthened by Johnny’s deep roots in the foodservice industry, following a 31-year career at Tyson Foods Inc., where he held various leadership roles in sales, marketing, and operations. He most recently served as Senior Vice President of foodservice and previously held the role of SVP/GM of the McDonald’s business unit , one of the company’s largest and most strategic global partnerships. Johnny’s transition from leading at the highest levels of global foodservice to investing in franchising reflects both his continued passion for the restaurant industry and a shared emphasis among the group to grow alongside the brand. 

“As Arkansas locals, we’re excited to bring Smalls Sliders to our community with a concept that’s both fun for guests and smart for operators,” said Joe Rheem. “The brand’s streamlined operations and focused menu allow us to deliver a consistently great experience while staying deeply connected to the people we’re serving.”

The group plans to develop at least four Smalls Sliders Cans across Northwest Arkansas and Southwest Missouri, with target markets including  Rogers, Bentonville, Springdale, Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Joplin, and Branson. 

“Northwest Arkansas and Southwest Missouri represent compelling whitespace for Smalls Sliders, with strong population growth, high traffic corridors, and limited presence of our concept to date,” said Ryan Crumley, Chief Development Officer of Smalls Sliders. “Joe, Tim, and Johnny bring a proven track record and a disciplined approach to development, making them ideal partners to establish the brand in these markets.”

Smalls Sliders serves fresh, cooked-to-order cheeseburger sliders, seasoned waffle fries, and hand-spun milkshakes from its signature Smorange™-colored shipping containers, called “Cans.” This deliberately simple menu, focused on quality and speed, has propelled the brand from its first location in 2019 to more than four dozen Cans open and hundreds in development across 30 states. 

For more information on Smalls Sliders, slide thru to www.smallssliders.com or visit https://smallsslidersfranchising.comto learn more about franchising opportunities. 

About Smalls Sliders

Smalls Sliders is one of the fastest-growing brands in the restaurant industry, specializing exclusively in fresh, cooked-to-order cheeseburger sliders that are small in size but big in taste.  Smalls Sliders is the brainchild of restaurateur visionary Brandon Landry and is backed by 10 Point Capital and former NFL star Drew Brees as investors. For more information on how Smalls Sliders is the biggest thing to happen to burgers since buns, visit www.smallssliders.com.