Burger chain backed by former NFL quarterback Drew Brees plans four Valley locations

Small Sliders, the fast-growing burger chain backed by former NFL quarterback Drew Brees, is planning its Rio Grande Valley debut with four locations across Brownsville, Harlingen and McAllen.

The company announced it has signed a multi-unit development agreement with local entrepreneurs Manny Saldivar, Carlos Hinojosa and Yazmin Hinojosa to bring the brand’s signature shipping container-style restaurants, known as “Cans,” to the region.

The first location is expected to open in Brownsville.

“We were drawn to Small Sliders because of its branding and the simplicity of the concept,” Saldivar said in a news release. “They do one thing, and they do it right, and that really stood out to us. We’re excited to bring something fresh and different to the Rio Grande Valley and create a place where the community can gather and enjoy themselves.”

Saldivar brings more than 35 years of entrepreneurial experience in finance, insurance and franchising. Carlos Hinojosa’s background includes engineering, manufacturing and business ownership. 

The partnership also has family roots, which the group said helped create the trust and alignment behind the investment.

Smalls Sliders specializes in cooked-to-order cheeseburger sliders, waffle fries and hand-spun milkshakes served from brightly colored shipping containers.

The brand was founded by restaurateur Brandon Landry and is backed by investment firm 10 Point Capital and Brees, who already has ties to the Rio Grande Valley through the Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux restaurant in Edinburg.

Since opening its first location in 2019, Smalls Sliders has grown to more than 50 operating locations and has hundreds more in development across 30 states.

“South Texas represents a strong opportunity for Smalls Sliders, with a growing population and a community that values quality and convenience,” Richard Leveille, vice president of franchise development for Smalls Sliders, said in the release. “Manny, Carlos and Yazmin bring a wealth of experience across multiple industries, along with a shared commitment to building something meaningful in their community.”

The company said it is actively evaluating additional sites throughout the Valley as it moves forward with the expansion.

The announcement adds another national restaurant brand to a Valley market that continues to attract new retail and food-service investment amid population growth and commercial development across the region.