Fans of great food, cold drinks and non-stop sports can look forward to a new favorite destination in Lubbock early next year.
Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar, named “Best Sports Bar in North America” by ESPN, is coming to town, and bringing along its signature Louisiana-style menu and warm, friendly atmosphere.
Walk-On’s Enterprises co-founder Brandon Landry announced today that the company has executed a franchise agreement with Lubbock entrepreneurs Jared and Heather Burnett, who also have ownership stakes in West Crust Pizza, Healthy Meals to Go and Twisted Root Burger Company in the city. The sports-minded Burnetts, both of whose fathers were coaches, made their initial marks in the distribution industry, where they built the largest direct-sales organization within Genesis Pure, a Dallas-based health and wellness company.
“We’ve always thought that Lubbock needed a place where you can go and watch the games, and also enjoy top-notch food,” said Jared. “When I first ate at Walk-On’s in Baton Rouge, I knew if I ever was to own a sports bar, it would be exactly like that. Then, when Brandon called and said they had started franchising, I told him I wanted to bring one to Lubbock on that very phone call!”
It’s been a busy year for Walk-On’s Enterprises. After putting the final pieces in place to support its move into franchising, the company announced its first franchise agreement in January for a new Walk-On’s in Lake Charles, which is projected to open late this year. May brought the blockbuster announcement that New Orleans Saints superstar Drew Brees and his wife, Brittany, had bought into the company as co-owners.
“I’ve known Jared and Heather for a long time, and I knew that once we were ready to begin franchising, they would be at the top of my list,” said Landry. “They’ve had a lot of success in the restaurant industry, and our brand is the perfect fit for a great college town like Lubbock. I have no doubt that Red Raider Nation is going to love the food and atmosphere in their very own Walk-On’s when it opens early next year.”
The Lubbock Walk-On’s will be located in the West End Shopping Center. It will be approximately 7,500 square feet, with seating for more than 280 guests. The Burnetts anticipate opening in early 2016 and, in the process, bringing roughly 120 new jobs to the city.
Walk-On’s currently has four locations – two in Baton Rouge and one each in New Orleans and Lafayette. Earlier this year, Walk-On’s Enterprises broke ground on a new company-owned restaurant in Houma, LA, which is expected to open this fall. Other locations will follow in Juban Crossing, Zachary and Shreveport. Several additional markets across the Southern United States are likewise on the drawing board.
To inquire about franchising opportunities, qualified applicants may contact Walk-On’s Enterprises President & COO Scott Taylor at franchise@walk-ons.com.
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 walkonsenterprises.com, or contact Ladd Biro at Champion Management at lbiro@championmgt.com or 972.930.9933.
