Hauser-Blanner Aligns with the QSR Franchise’s Vision and is Optimistic about Growth Potential
Smalls Sliders, a quick-service restaurant (QSR) franchise that serves fresh, made-to-order cheeseburger sliders, fries, shakes and more, has tapped Julie Hauser-Blanner as chief operating officer (COO). Leveraging her more than 25 years of multi-unit, multi-brand, global hospitality and restaurant experience, she will oversee Smalls Sliders’ daily operations and drive strategic initiatives to elevate efficiency.
“Smalls Sliders captured my attention from the moment I encountered it. I immediately knew this was a concept I wouldn’t find anywhere else. The allure of an innovative, fast-casual establishment with a loyal customer base and a team brimming with talent was so enticing to me,” Hauser-Blanner said.
She credits the materialization of this opportunity as an unplanned blend of networking, shared vision and mutual understanding. “It felt like the peak of my professional journey – a chance to apply my expertise in a setting that promised boundless growth and potential,” she added. Hauser-Blanner looks forward to collaborating with the leadership team, nurturing franchise partnerships and expanding the QSR franchise’s presence into new markets.
CEO Maria Rivera released a statement regarding Hauser-Blanner’s addition to the leadership team. “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.”
Passion for Franchising
Hauser-Blanner’s franchising journey stems from her passion and fascination for the restaurant industry. From her early days at Outback Steakhouse to her time at Bonefish Grill, Hauser-Blanner has developed an understanding of the industry’s dynamics. “Franchising, with its collaborative nature and emphasis on partnership, offered me the perfect avenue to channel my entrepreneurial spirit while leveraging my existing industry knowledge,” she said. “What truly resonates with me in the franchising world is the chance to collaborate with passionate individuals who are driven to succeed. Working alongside franchise partners to bring their visions to life while building relationships is immensely rewarding.”
While she always will be passionate about the QSR industry, she ventured outside of her comfort zone when she entered the wellness sector and held various leadership roles for European Wax Center. “While the industries may differ in their product or service offerings, the underlying principles of franchising and operations remained steadfast in each,” she explained. “It was a transformative experience that allowed me to broaden my horizons, embrace new challenges and apply my expertise in an entirely new context.”
Prioritizing Relationships
Based on her knowledge of what it takes to make a brand grow, Hauser-Blanner is an advocate of franchisors prioritizing strong, symbiotic relationships franchise owners. “By offering comprehensive support, training programs and innovative solutions tailored to evolving market trends, franchisors can empower franchisees to thrive and fuel the brand’s expansion organically.”
