Despite Their Name Smalls Is Big On Taste & Value, Local Franchisee Plans Several Low Country Locations

Jeff Walker,  Entertainment Writer / Restaurant Review

Charleston burger lovers the long wait for the next re-imagined way to satisfy your all-beef patty cravings is over. Located just off the I-26 and Ashley Phosphate (exit 209) at the corner of Northwoods Blvd is the lowcountry's latest burger sensation, and believe it or not, they're not smashburgers.

Imagine Krystal's and or White Castle meets Chick-Fila, and you have the underlying theme at Smalls Sliders. No they don't offer up processed meat on a square bun, and they don't serve chicken, but they do carry waffle fries. However, they do serve up 100% juicy made to order all beef burgers on smaller sized buns. And Smalls Sliders are freakin' amazing and despite their name, they are big on flavor! 

While the bigger and decades old fast food burger chains have strayed from their original concepts, become tired, and continue to lose market share, Smalls Sliders is returning to the basics. Although their menu isn't extensive, Smalls serves up awesome burgers and waffle fries, alongside Coca-Cola products and creamy milkshakes.

Simply put, Smalls Sliders is keeping it real, and keeping it simple. No need to read over dozens of menu items before making a choice. They offer up the original single slider covered in American cheese with pickles and their signature Smauce (special trademarked Smalls sauce).

Feeling a bit more hungry, than go with the Biggie, aka a double stacked slider. Want to kick it up a notch, maybe add bacon, and if you want to add a little heat to your burger, order Smalls' BBQ Bacon Jalapeno Slider. That's the entire burger menu. Straight forward, but your taste buds will let you know. So so good!

The sides are even more simple. Seasoned waffle fries or their zestier loaded fries cousin, a larger serving drenched in warm queso and cool ranch dressing topped with jalapeno and bacon bits. Trust me, it's a flavor sensation. What's left? Just your choice of beverage. Your preferred Coke product or a smooth milkshake.

Of course you can purchase everything individually or get them in combo meals with fries and a drink. The kids combo is under $10, with a two slider combo meal around $12. Best bet for couples is the Combo 4 (4 sliders with side & drink) for around $18. Okay maybe order an additional drink, but you're still both filling up for around $11 apiece. In today's food & beverage economy, and given the taste of Smalls Sliders, that's a good tasting deal. 

Let's talk design. Smalls' concept focuses on efficiency, utilizing a small footprint centered around a 800 square foot container shaped building (referred as cans)
with drive thru windows. Although you can order at a window and dine under a covered patio complete with games for kids, most patrons will cycle through the drive-thru and be on their way.

Without question, burgers are the number one comfort food in America. There was a time when the King and the Golden Arches ruled the burger kingdom. But those days have long passed. While the big guys try to continually re-invent themselves and their menus, places like Smalls Sliders have figured out just give the people what they want, great tasting burgers.

Owned and operated locally by James Island resident Elliott Strott, the 2006 College of Charleston graduate has purchased the franchise rights to Dorchester, Berkeley, and Charleston counties, and plans to open several locations over the next few years. Again, great news for real burger lovers.

Smalls Sliders' physical address in North Charleston is 2280 Ashley Phosphate Rd. However, they sit behind the gas station at the corner, so it's hard to see their building unless you turn in off Ashley Phosphate, or access their location from Northwood Blvd. across from the Waffle House.

They are open from 10AM (early start to lunch) to midnight Sunday thru Thursday, with late-night hours extended until 2AM (late evening munchies) on Fridays and Saturdays. Yes they offer catering. For more slide in first (pun intended) to their website at https://locations.smallssliders.com/sc/north-charleston/55

Brief History:

Founded by Brandon Landry in 2019, with the first location in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, since franchising began two years later Smalls Sliders has grown to over 50 locations, mostly throughout the southeast, and is currently the top rated franchise in America. Pro football fans might be interested in the fact that former New Orleans Saints QB and Super Bowl 44 MVP Drew Brees is among the early investors in Smalls Sliders.