Brandon Landry and Jack Warner were both walk-on athletes for the LSU Basketball team when they met. While living out their dream of playing basketball for LSU, Landry and Warner were also beginning to create a new dream together — Walk On’s Bistreaux & Bar, a sports bar that focuses on quality Cajun food.
Just 10 years after sketching out their plan on the back of a napkin, in 2012, Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar was named the #1 Sports Bar in America by ESPN.
The Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar Concept
To embrace Louisiana’s heritage and humble beginnings, “Southern Hospitality” is a cornerstone of the restaurant. It’s served up right alongside the quality food.
Walk-On’s pride itslef on providing a culinary experience much different than any other sports bar. Walk-On’s specializes in hand-pattied burgers, homemade stuffed potatoes, sauces and dressings, hand-breaded fried foods and creative salads all made to order.
Expansion Through Franchising
The Baton-Rougue, Louisiana-based Walk-On’s started franchising in January. In May, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees and his wife, Brittany, bought into Walk-On’s as co-owners. In late June, the rapidly growing restaurant chain announced it will open its first outside of Louisiana, in Lubbock, Texas. Several additional markets across the Southern U.S. are also on the drawing board
Besides an initial investment of $1,167,500 to $2,611,500, potential franchisees are required to have:
- A minimum of five years high volume full service restaurant experience (multi-unit experience preferred but not required);
- Must embrace the Walk-On’s systems and standards to deliver the Winning Game Day Experience;
- Live in the community where you wish to open a Walk-On’s;
- Must have a minimum of 10% equity stake in the franchise location;
- Be team oriented. Ideal candidates should have played some team sports during their youth and understand the importance of building a great team around you;
- Extravert personality – can you be the “mayor” of your community?
Does this sound like you? Do you think you have what it takes to be a Walk On’s franchise owner?
For more information on Walk On’s Bistreaux & Bar, click here.
