Call Center Company in Clearwater, FL

Get ready, Clearwater—burgers are about to slide into Pinellas County in a big way. Smalls Sliders, one of the fastest-growing burger chains in the country, is opening soon, serving crave-worthy cheeseburger sliders from its signature bright orange shipping container setup.

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Backed by legendary NFL quarterback Drew Brees, Smalls Sliders has quickly made a name for itself with its bold design, simple menu, and big flavor. The brand focuses exclusively on fresh, cooked-to-order cheeseburger sliders that are small in size but huge in taste. Whether you’re grabbing a bite from the drive-thru or walking up to the window, this fast-casual spot delivers a deliciously streamlined experience.

Smalls Sliders is backed by NFL legend Drew Brees

Founded by visionary restaurateur Brandon Landry and led by seasoned CEO Maria Rivera, Smalls Sliders is supported by 10 Point Capital and an experienced leadership team driving its explosive growth across the Southeast, Southwest, Midwest, and West Coast.

Now, the brand is making its way to the Tampa Bay region, with plans to open nine of its modular “Cans” in the area—including one coming soon to Clearwater. Each “Can” is a 750-square-foot, shipping container-style building designed for speed, convenience, and flavor-packed service.

Short and sweet menu with tasty milkshakes

Smalls Sliders keeps its menu short and satisfying: juicy burger patties served on toasted, buttery buns with perfectly crunchy pickle chips. Pair your sliders with a side of seasoned fries made from hearty Russet potatoes and one of their fan-favorite chocolate milkshakes, and you’ve got the perfect combo.

With its eye-catching design, simple yet delicious menu, and star-studded backing, Smalls Sliders is set to make a major splash in Clearwater—and across Tampa Bay.

Atlantic or Gulf, mainland or island, secluded or buzzing with activity—we love a beach any which way it comes. But we’d be lying if we didn’t admit to being a bit partial to white-sand beaches with crystal-clear water. (If you’re interested in the later, check out this Florida town.) For those seeking a blindingly white shoreline to lay your towel in, there’s one place to go: Clearwater Beach, Florida. Yes, the city is named for the impressive color and clarity of its water, but it could just as easily be named for its sugar-white sands.

Not only is Clearwater’s sand the most impressive shade of pure white, but it also has a unique powdery texture that makes it an absolute dream to take a mid-day snooze on. It’s also so soft that even the littlest of kiddos can dig around in it all day and go home without so much as a tiny scrape to their skin. Clearwater’s beaches are mostly devoid of shells, so you won’t have to worry about cutting your foot on a sharp fragment while you’re walking along the water’s edge. Go ahead, kick those sandals off and get used to the feeling of the sand between your toes.

Why Is Clearwater’s Sand So White?

There’s actually a scientific reason that Clearwater’s sand is so white (and so soft!). Rather than being made of finely crushed seashells that have been ground down over millions of years, Clearwater’s sand is made up of white quartz. The mineral is much softer than shells or fossil fragments, which accounts for that unparalleled velvety texture. And the sparkly quality of the quartz crystal translates into sand that seems to glow white. When the sun beams reflect off the particles just right, all we can say is make sure you’ve got sunglasses handy! The combo of the two can be difficult to take in with the naked eye.

Did you know that beaches with white quartz sand also tend to have prettier water? Sun rays reflect light off the underwater quartz particles, making the sand shine upwards onto the water’s surface and creating that signature crystal-clear emerald shade.

If you’re wondering how white quartz made its way to the coast, look no further than the end of the last Ice Age about 20,000 years ago. When temperatures started heating up, ice caps began melting, causing water from the Appalachian Mountains to flow into the Apalachicola River and eventually all the way down to the coast. The water contained white quartz crystals, and over time Clearwater’s stunning shores were born.

This Coastal Town Has The Whitest Sand Beaches In Mississippi

Why Does Clearwater’s Sand Squeak?

First timers to Clearwater may be surprised to find that it’s not as hard to hear a footstep in the sand as you might think. You won’t hear the familiar thud of a heavy-laden trod, but you will hear a high-pitched squeak. And it’s not a beach mouse! What you’re hearing is the rubbing together of individual quartz particles. As the round particles rub together, the air between the grains needs an escape. The high-pitched chirp is the sound of that air escaping and the mineral particles scratching each other.

Other White-Sand Beaches

If you fall in love with Clearwater’s stunning white-sand beaches but don’t want to return to the same place year after year, you can find the same stunning white quartz sand throughout Northwest Florida from Panama City Beach all the way to Pensacola Bay. That means each of 30A’s beaches, as well as popular vacation spots like Destin and Santa Rosa, are all fair game when you’re seeking a white-sand wonderland.

If you couldn’t score a ticket to Tom Jones' sold-out Thursday night show at Ruth Eckerd Hall, you may want to dip into your savings, because this Friday night show—which benefits Ruth Eckerd Hall’s Marcia P. Hoffman School of The Arts—is gonna cost you a pretty penny if you’re not part of the venue’s Friends of Music membership.

Expect to hear a career retrospective from the 84-year-old, which will indeed include his cover of Prince’s “Kiss” and “Delilah,” which remains one of the goriest, hottest takes regarding being cheated on of our grandparents’ generation.

Passes to see Tom Jones play The BayCare Sound in Clearwater on Friday, May 2 are still available for $550.

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This month, FinanceBuzz has released its list of the best Florida cities for retirees living on a budget of $2,000 or less each month.

The study examined 180 cities across the country, looking at which ones had monthly mortgages below $2,000.

“The Sunshine State is a popular destination for retirees looking to relocate,” the report reads. “From the sandy beaches to iconic attractions, many dream of spending their golden years under the Florida sun. But when considering where to live, seniors planning for retirement should also consider housing costs.”

The full ranking of the nine best cities Florida is as follows:

1. Lakeland

"According to the FinanceBuzz study, monthly housing costs in this city are under $1,800. Known as the “City of Lakes,” residents can choose from 38 of them to enjoy an array of outdoor activities from bird watching to kayaking. The city is also just a short drive away from Orlando."

FinanceBuzz, "9 Best Florida Cities To Retire on a Monthly Budget of $2,000 or Less"

2. Palm Bay

"Palm Bay is ideal for retirees who dream of spending their golden years by the ocean — the city is just a 15-minute drive from Melbourne Beach. And from museums to art galleries and theaters, there’s plenty to keep you busy."

FinanceBuzz, "9 Best Florida Cities To Retire on a Monthly Budget of $2,000 or Less"

3. Punta Gorda

"Located in Charlotte County, Florida, Punta Gorda is home to a large population of retirees. With a laid-back lifestyle and plenty of waterfront views, the city is a great fit for those who want to indulge in fishing and boating while still enjoying shops, restaurants, and other outdoor recreation."

FinanceBuzz, "9 Best Florida Cities To Retire on a Monthly Budget of $2,000 or Less"

4. Jacksonville

"According to U.S. News & World Report, Jacksonville is the largest metro area by land mass in the continental U.S., which means there won’t be a shortage of things to keep you busy in retirement. From its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean to camping and hiking in places like Hanna Park and the Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve, the city has options for any type of lifestyle."

FinanceBuzz, "9 Best Florida Cities To Retire on a Monthly Budget of $2,000 or Less"

5. Tampa

"Another major city on the list, Tampa offers the big-city life that some retirees crave. In fact, it is the third largest city in the Sunshine State. Situated right on the water with access to attractions such as Busch Gardens, Zoo Tampa, and the Florida Aquarium, there’s something for everyone."

FinanceBuzz, "9 Best Florida Cities To Retire on a Monthly Budget of $2,000 or Less"

6. Destin

"Located on Florida’s Emerald Coast, this seaside city is known for its crystal clear, white sand beaches. And as the self-proclaimed “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” retirees living in this Florida city are sure to enjoy a fantastic fishing scene."

FinanceBuzz, "9 Best Florida Cities To Retire on a Monthly Budget of $2,000 or Less"

7. Sanford

"Sanford has a small-town feel while still offering retirees access to larger cities; it’s located about halfway between Orlando and Daytona. The city is also known for its historic downtown area, which is home to many boutiques, restaurants, and antique stores for retirees to enjoy."

FinanceBuzz, "9 Best Florida Cities To Retire on a Monthly Budget of $2,000 or Less"

8. Cape Coral

"This quiet and relaxed community is ideal for retirees who want to spend their days outside and on the water. From its location on the Caloosahatchee River to its easy access to the Gulf of Mexico, it offers a calmer, more inviting atmosphere than some of the larger neighboring cities like Naples and Fort Myers."

FinanceBuzz, "9 Best Florida Cities To Retire on a Monthly Budget of $2,000 or Less"

9. Port St. Lucie

"Port St. Lucie is located on Florida’s east coast and is part of St. Lucie County, which features 21 miles of beaches. Despite its relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, retirees craving more excitement still have easy access to larger cities — Port St. Lucie is about halfway between Orlando and Miami. And for sports lovers, the New York Mets use Clover Park for their spring training."

FinanceBuzz, "9 Best Florida Cities To Retire on a Monthly Budget of $2,000 or Less"

Small Sliders has expanded into the Tampa Bay area with a new Clearwater location opening soon. At least 9 more FL restaurants are planned.

Tiffany Razzano, Patch Staff

|Updated Thu, May 22, 2025 at 9:00 am ET

CLEARWATER, FL — National burger chain Small Sliders is expanding into the Tampa Bay area with a new restaurant opening Wednesday in Clearwater, according to a news release.

The brand’s latest location is at 2540 Gulf to Bay Blvd., across from Sam’s Club near the U.S. 19 intersection.

There are three other Florida locations in the northern part of the state — two in Ocala and one in Pensacola — that are owned by a different franchisee.

The brand, backed by investors 10 Point Capital and former NFL star Drew Brees, specializes in fresh, cooked-to-order cheeseburger sliders. The menu also features fries, shakes, queso and Smalls Sliders signature Smauce.

Each restaurant is known as a Smorange Can that is uniquely made from shipping containers, the news release said. It also features streamlined ordering through the walk-up window or drive-thru.

Find out what's happening in Clearwaterfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

To celebrate the Clearwater opening, which takes place at 10 a.m., the first 100 guests will receive a pair of Smorange slides.

There will also be swag giveaways, a photo booth and 360-degree video booth, and music.

Small Sliders will also recognize its local Smalls Town Hero, Juleah Patterson, a Clearwater High School student who is graduating this year.

She is being honored as a Turnaround Student, someone who overcame early challenges during her freshman year, and has grown academically and in extracurricular activities over the past four years, according to the news release.

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Small Slides gave Patterson a $1,000 college scholarship during Clearwater High School’s Senior Awards Night on May 6.

The newest location will also create 60 new jobs.

“Clearwater has such a vibrant energy and a strong sense of community, which makes bringing Smalls Sliders here an exciting milestone for our team,” Vik Patel, local owner and CEO of Purple Square Management, said. “This marks our group’s first Smalls Sliders opening in Florida, and we’re thrilled to introduce residents to the unique flavors and cheeseburger sliders that make this brand so special. The support we’ve received leading up to this opening day has been incredible, and we look forward to becoming a go-to spot for great food and genuine connections.”

Purple Square Management has committed to opening at least nine Smalls Sliders locations in Florida, building on its previous agreements to develop six locations in Atlanta and 22 units across Arizona.