Lutz is getting a new slider joint, a cannabis dispensary and possibly a Panda Express, adding to commercial growth along and near the Dale Mabry and SR-54 corridors.

Smalls Sliders, the Louisiana-based cheeseburger chain backed by former NFL quarterback Drew Brees, opens its newest location at 19081 Wingshooter Way on Tuesday, Aug. 11. The restaurant operates out of a bright orange shipping container, a signature design the chain has trademarked as "Smorange."

A full grand opening celebration follows Saturday, Aug. 15, starting at 9 a.m. with a ribbon-cutting at 9:30 a.m., according to That's So Tampa. The first 100 people in line win free sliders for a year.

The Lutz location is operated by Purple Buns, LLC, which also runs the chain's Clearwater outpost and has at least nine Florida locations planned. During the grand opening, Purple Buns will present a charitable donation to Joshua House, a Tampa Bay nonprofit that has housed abused and neglected children since 1992. Joshua House will be named the location's "Smalls Town Hero."

It's walk-up or drive-thru only. The menu centers on cooked-to-order cheeseburger sliders, waffle fries, hand-spun shakes and the chain's signature "Smauce" sauce.

Meanwhile, Curaleaf has opened a dispensary at 1408 North Dale Mabry Highway in Lutz. The cannabis retailer, which operates 73 dispensaries across Florida, is actively hiring for the location at a starting rate of $17.50 per hour, according to a LinkedIn job posting. The dispensary has already collected 32 reviews with a 4.6-star rating on a cannabis directory site.

Panda Express also appears to be eyeing the area. The chain posted a job listing for an assistant manager in Lutz, according to the Patch AM newsletter for Land O' Lakes published Friday, Aug. 7. Kimberly Gosik, the chain's area coach of operations for the Wesley Chapel and Lutz area, is listed in connection with local operations, but no confirmed address or opening date has been announced for a Lutz location.

The Smalls Sliders grand opening is free and open to the public, with balloon artists, swag giveaways and a coloring station for kids.