Saints star and wife buy in as co-owners of ‘Best Sports Bar in North America’
Drew Brees knows a winning team when he sees one. So when he and wife Brittany saw that Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar in New Orleans had been voted “Best Sports Bar in North America” by ESPN, they were immediately intrigued.
Today, Brittany and Drew Brees announced that they have reached an agreement to become co-owners of Walk-On’s Enterprises, the company that created and now operates the popular Walk-On’s sports bar chain, as well as its sister concepts, Happy’s Irish Pub and Walk-On’s Catering.
“When I first stepped into Walk-On’s, I was impressed by its culture, environment and the quality of the food,” said the All Pro NFL and New Orleans Saints quarterback. “Walk-On’s is unique in that it’s a great place to bring my family, teammates and business colleagues. Brandon [Landry] and his team have built something truly special, and we are excited to join them as we look to expand the brand across the nation.”
The agreement, which had been in the works for several months, was finalized on May 18. Financial terms will remain confidential.
“When you consider all the people we could have associated our brand with, there is absolutely no one I can think of that would be higher on our wish list than Brittany and Drew,” said Landry, co-founder and owner of Walk-On’s Enterprises. “I’ve been impressed by their business savvy and the vision they have for the brand. I’m very fortunate and honored to call the Breeses my partners.”
Brittany Brees stressed that Walk-On’s Louisiana roots were an important factor in their decision to buy into the company.
“Drew and I consider New Orleans to be our home now, so we love the idea of investing in a Louisiana-based brand that is so well respected in its industry,” she said. “We’ve done our homework and we truly believe Walk-On’s has the potential to become a successful national chain.”
Drew noted that he will play an active role in Walk-On’s as the company prepares to take the brand national.
“We’re not just passive investors. Brittany and I are committed to working closely with Brandon and the team to do whatever we can to contribute to Walk-On’s success going forward,” said Brees. “I think we’re going to have a lot of fun, and celebrate a lot of wins, in the years ahead.”
Walk-On’s Enterprises recently announced its first franchise agreement in Lake Charles, La., as well as a new company-owned restaurant under construction in Houma. Additional markets are expected to be unveiled in the coming weeks. Walk-On’s currently has four locations – two in Baton Rouge and one each in New Orleans and Lafayette.
Walk-On’s Enterprises is arguably the most distinctive restaurant company in America. Its concepts are fresh, fun and original, from Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar — voted ESPN’s “Best Sports Bar in North America” in 2012 — to Happy’s Irish Pub and Walk-On’s Catering. Additional growth lies ahead, as the company expands on its winning combination of delicious, affordable food and drinks presented in an uncommonly warm and friendly atmosphere. For more information, visit www.walkonsenterprises.com, or contact Ladd Biro at Champion Management at lbiro@championmgt.com or 972.930.9933.
