Growth Trajectory Savvy Sliders is closing 2026 with momentum toward a national footprint.

The burger concept, founded in 2018 in Commerce Township, Michigan, currently operates over 50 locations across seven states—Michigan, Ohio, Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Indiana, and Mississippi—with more than 50 additional units in development or under franchise agreements. The brand aims to exceed 100 locations by 2030. Planned expansions target Oregon, Kentucky, Illinois, Nevada, and New York, marking entry into several new markets.

Recent Openings and Pipeline Savvy Sliders finished 2026 with restaurant openings in Detroit and Monroe, Michigan, and Pasadena, Texas. Eleven additional restaurants were in final construction stages at year-end. Upcoming launches include locations in Medford, Oregon; Dearborn, Michigan; Canton, Ohio; and Matteson, Illinois, as well as a reopening in Flint, Michigan.

Multi-Unit Growth The chain has secured multiple multi-unit development agreements with experienced franchisees looking to enter new markets. Each new restaurant is projected to generate 30 to 40 local jobs. Sonny Asker, Chief Operating Officer of parent company Happy Group, said: "More opportunity lies ahead for Savvy Sliders than ever before. We're building momentum with experienced franchise partners who believe in the brand and its growth potential. Our focus is turning that opportunity into new restaurants, supporting our operators and building a stronger foundation for long-term growth. We're just getting started." Asker added: "Our goal has always been to build a strong brand that delivers great food, creates opportunities for our team members, and makes a difference in the communities we serve. As we grow, our Bigger, Better, Bolder, More 2 Love philosophy will continue to guide us, both in what we serve to our guests and how we give back to our guests." Savvy Sliders was named Fastest Growing Burger Brand by Technomic in 2025. The brand serves never-frozen Angus beef sliders, hand-breaded chicken, house-seasoned fries, and hand-spun custard shakes. It operates Savvy Sliders University for franchisee training and the More 2 Love Foundation for community initiatives. The concept is part of Happy Group LLC, which also owns BurgerFi, Happy's Pizza, and Fat Boy's Pizza.

Why It Matters

For franchise operators and investors, Savvy Sliders' disciplined expansion strategy and multi-unit agreements signal confidence in unit economics and brand scalability in emerging markets. The projected job creation per location underscores the concept's potential community impact as it scales regionally.

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Written by FBM Publications Editors

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Savvy Sliders locations are actually operating right now?

Savvy Sliders has over 50 locations open across seven states—Michigan, Ohio, Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Indiana, and Mississippi—as of year-end 2026. The brand also has more than 50 additional units in development or under franchise agreements, positioning them to hit that 100-unit target by 2030.

Which new markets is Savvy Sliders entering in 2027?

The chain is expanding into Oregon, Kentucky, Illinois, Nevada, and New York. Specific near-term openings include Medford, Oregon; Dearborn and Flint, Michigan; Canton, Ohio; and Matteson, Illinois.

What's the employment impact per new Savvy Sliders restaurant?

Each new restaurant is projected to generate 30 to 40 local jobs. With 50+ units in the pipeline, that's roughly 1,500 to 2,000 jobs coming directly from this expansion.

Who's behind Savvy Sliders' parent company?

Happy Group is the parent company, with Sonny Asker serving as Chief Operating Officer. Asker has publicly stated the brand is pursuing multi-unit development agreements with experienced franchisees to accelerate growth.

How many restaurants did Savvy Sliders open in 2026?

The brand opened locations in Detroit and Monroe, Michigan, and Pasadena, Texas in 2026, with 11 additional restaurants in final construction at year-end. That means at least 14 new units completed or near completion for the year.