Penfield Joins the Niche Burger Franchise Following Two Decades with Raising Cane’s
Smalls Sliders has appointed Clint Penfield chief operating officer. Penfield oversees systemwide operations and focuses on building scalable infrastructure to support franchisee growth. He joins the burger brand backed by 10 Point Capital and former NFL quarterback Drew Brees after 20-plus years with Raising Cane’s, where he guided operations across hundreds of locations.
“I took a full year off after leaving Cane’s, which was the first real pause I’ve had in my career, and it gave me time to think intentionally about what I wanted next. Smalls checked all the boxes I had on my list of desires — it is purely coincidental that I landed with another chain born in Baton Rouge, La., that’s poised for nationwide growth,” Penfield said.
He cited Smalls Sliders’ strong culture and CEO Charles Watson’s leadership as additional selling points. “We come from different backgrounds, but our experience really complements each other. It’s a pivotal moment in Smalls’ growth story, and I’m grateful to be joining at the right time.”
Watson said Penfield’s extensive restaurant background makes him the ideal person for this role. “Clint is a culture-first leader who knows how to build operations that move fast, stay consistent and deliver on our franchise promise and guest experience. His people-first mindset and leadership will help us grow without ever losing what makes Smalls special,” Watson said.
Customer-Focused Brand
Penfield said Smalls Sliders’ approach to hospitality makes the brand stand out from the crowd. “We’re not just focused on speed — we’re focused on the experience,” he said. “Whether it’s the service our guests receive at each Can (location) or the level of support we provide to our franchisees, hospitality is at the heart of everything we do. We’re building a culture where people feel cared for, and that resonates in every touchpoint — from the food to the franchisee experience and new packaging to updated menu boards.”
Penfield said successful franchise operations are rooted in service, partnership and consistency. “It’s about listening to your franchisees, learning from what they’re experiencing on the ground, and using that feedback to build smarter, more efficient systems. Franchisors need to stay laser-focused on making their operators more efficient and profitable without sacrificing quality.”
About Smalls Sliders
Founded in 2019 by Brandon Landry, Smalls Sliders specializes in fresh, cooked-to-order cheeseburger sliders. The brand has grown to 375-plus locations open or under development across 22 states.
