NFL player-backed burger restaurant opening KC area location this month
Patrick Mahomes isn’t the only quarterback opening a restaurant in the Kansas City area this year.
Smalls Sliders — a hamburger slider chain backed by former New Orleans Saints player Drew Brees — is unveiling its first spot in the metro.
The Atlanta-based brand is celebrating the grand opening of its Blue Springs location “tentatively” Saturday, according to a spokesman.
When the spot at 704 NW Mock Ave. begins serving customers at 10 a.m. that day, the first 100 guests will receive a pair of “smorange slides,” or bright orange slide-on shoes.
“We’re thrilled for guests across the Blue Springs community to finally have the chance to try our iconic cheeseburger sliders and seasoned waffle fries,” said Mark Parretta, local owner of the Blue Springs location. “From the moment our Can dropped, the enthusiasm and excitement from residents throughout the region has been incredible.”
The brand is known for its signature, bright orange shipping container-like restaurants with drive-thru and walk-up windows. The 750-square-foot cans are dropped onto each site.
Smalls’ classic sliders are served with its signature “smauce.” Combo meals include waffle fries, a drink and up to four sliders.
It also sells shakes: vanilla, chocolate, and cookies and cream.
Founded in late 2019 by Brandon Landry, the owner of Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux, Smalls is growing rapidly.
Today, it has locations in Texas, Alabama, Louisiana, South Carolina and beyond.
The brand announced in QSR Magazine this February that it had 350 locations under development.
“Founded with a mission to perfect the cheeseburger slider, Smalls is proving that simplicity can make a big impact,” the QSR article reads.
Earlier this year, Smalls entered the Missouri market by opening one in Bridgeton, near St. Louis. Smalls opened its first Kansas location in Wichita a few days ago.
While Smalls has not announced any other specific locations, a spokesman with the brand verified that it was hoping to open more in the metro. The company signed a deal with Parretta to open nine locations in the area.
Possible spots for restaurants include: Lee’s Summit, Kansas City, Olathe, Overland Park, Liberty and Independence.
The Blue Springs spot will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
In addition to being a partner at Whataburger franchise KMO Burger, Mahomes is opening a steakhouse with tight end Travis Kelce. The players’ concept, 1587 Prime, will open this year in the Loews Kansas City Hotel at 1515 Wyandotte St.
This story was originally published April 21, 2025 at 4:07 PM.