Life can be incredibly hectic. Between work, home, family and friends, it’s hard to find time for much else. One thing that should never be taken for granted, though, is a great meal. Thankfully, there is a restaurant that understands how important this is and seeks to bring delicious food to all.
Savvy Sliders is a fast-growing restaurant chain specializing in gourmet sliders, crispy chicken and farm-fresh custard. With over 50 locations nationwide, Savvy Sliders is redefining fast food by showing that quality and convenience can go hand in hand.
Founded in Michigan in 2018, Savvy Sliders has quickly expanded, and as of August 2024 it proudly operates a location in Lebanon, Indiana. This new addition is thanks to Mike Bauer, who brought the franchise to the Hoosier state.
Bauer is no stranger to this industry. Growing up in Lafayette, his parents owned and operated multiple Subway locations. They hit the ground running and were even responsible for the now-famous Subway cookies being introduced to the menu. Exposure to the culinary world from a young age allowed Bauer to see the potential that a career as a restaurant owner could bring.
“I worked in the stores as a kid and ultimately realized that the career path I wanted to have was in the restaurant business,” he says.
Bauer took over his family’s business and expanded the operations to include over 20 Subway restaurants. Though he wasn’t initially seeking to franchise another brand, the opportunity with Savvy Sliders was one he couldn’t pass up.
What struck Bauer was the culture embodied at Savvy Sliders. “We take care of our employees and we take care of our customers,” he says. “I call it a family. It’s a very loving environment. People want to stay, they want to be a part of the family that we’re making here, and they want to see what we can build and grow within the community. To me, that’s a very touching thing.”
What really sets Savvy Sliders apart from its competitors is the food itself. Offering different varieties of sliders, crispy chicken tenders, delicious side dishes and creamy custard, there is something for every customer to love. The best part is that it’s all made to order and guaranteed fresh.
“The chicken, honestly, is the best chicken I’ve ever had,” Bauer says. “Quality food wins every time. Quality wins every argument.”
In addition to this, Savvy Sliders also offers catering options, making it the perfect choice for game day, holiday parties and everything in between.
While the menu might get the customers in the door, the true impact Savvy Sliders has on the community goes beyond its food.
Every Christmas, Bauer’s Savvy Sliders will work with the Boys & Girls Club to help bring holiday cheer and gifts to those children most in need. This tradition, carried on from his parents, is one that Bauer takes immense pride in. His vision is for Savvy to be an active, positive force in the community, not just another restaurant.
Looking towards the future, Savvy Sliders will continue to grow throughout the state. A second location is being built in Lafayette with plans to open in the summer of 2025.
While fast-food restaurants may often be viewed as lacking in quality or too corporate to care, Savvy Sliders certainly does not fall into that category. Bauer and the team are committed to being a part of the communities they serve, and bringing good food to good people.
