Atlanta — Smalls Sliders has appointed industry veteran Julie Hauser-Blanner as its chief operating officer. In her new role, Hauser-Blanner will oversee all aspects of the brand’s daily operations, driving strategic initiatives to elevate efficiency, scalability and overall performance.
With an illustrious career spanning over 25 years in multi-unit, multi-brand, global hospitality and restaurant companies, Hauser-Blanner brings a wealth of experience to the brand’s growing executive leadership team. Having most recently served as chief franchise officer at European Wax Center, Hauser-Blanner was responsible for all growth, strategy and support functions for over 1,000 units across 45 states. Prior to that, she was responsible for leading operations at Front Burner Restaurants, Bonefish Grill and Outback Steakhouse in a variety of progressive operations roles.
“I am thrilled to welcome Julie to our growing executive leadership team at Smalls Sliders,” says Maria Rivera, CEO of Smalls Sliders. “Her global expertise to drive sales growth, enhance market presence through operations execution and implement innovative people strategies makes her the ideal choice to lead our operational efforts as we embark on our next phase of growth and innovation.”
In March 2024, Smalls Sliders announced it had reached over 200 Cans (modular construction units) open or under development, just 10 short months after the brand reopened its doors to franchising. Smalls Sliders currently has Cans open across Louisiana and Mississippi, with a robust pipeline of growth set across 16 states in the Southeast and the Midwest. Likewise, Smalls Sliders has expanded its target growth markets to Utah, Colorado, Kentucky and more.
Smalls Sliders opened its first Can in 2019. Since its inception, Smalls Sliders has disrupted the QSR industry with its modular build, simplistic menu and robust development pipeline. For more information, visit www.smallssliders.com.
Equipped with a streamlined drive-thru, walkup window and unique modular buildout, the Atlanta-based brand is headed toward nationwide growth with locations opening across the Southeast, Southwest, Midwest and West Coast. Smalls Sliders is backed by 10 Point Capital and former NFL star Drew Brees as investors.
[EDITOR’S NOTE: To read the April 2024 cover story of Retail & Restaurant Facility Business magazine on Smalls Sliders, please click here.]
SOURCE: Smalls Sliders