Scaled-down sports bar still a priority for downtown Baton Rouge
Roughly three months after announcing that it would begin construction on its newest concept, Walk-On’s Halfcourt, in downtown Baton Rouge, Walk-On’s Enterprises has changed its game plan.
After its design and architectural teams determined that renovations to the Lee Overton Building would accommodate seating for just 60 guests, the company decided to expand its adjacent Happy’s Irish Pub into the space instead. The new addition, which is projected to open this November, will feature pool tables, golf simulators, shuffle board, darts and other games, adding new attractions to the already-festive environment at Happy’s.
Meanwhile, the company has initiated a search for a larger downtown space for its first Walk-On’s Halfcourt, a scaled-down version of the popular Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar.
“While this is a shift in our plans from just a few months ago, the good news is it’s a win-win for the continued revitalization of downtown Baton Rouge,” said Scott Taylor, president and COO of Walk-On’s Enterprises. “We’re still investing in a major remodeling of the Lee Overton Building to create an expanded Happy’s Irish Pub with an adjacent party gaming area, and we’re still committed to bringing our Halfcourt concept to the downtown area.”
The smaller version of Walk-On’s – voted “Best Sports Bar in North America” by ESPN in 2012 – will serve as a model for future development in similar downtown sites and airports, where demand for the concept is building fast. Landry also plans to test new menu items and other innovative ideas at the Halfcourt restaurant before rolling them out to the larger locations.
“We’ve been investing in the revitalization of downtown Baton Rouge since 2005, when we brought Happy’s and Roux House to the area,” said Brandon Landry, co-owner and founder of Walk-On’s Enterprises. “We still believe Walk-On’s Halfcourt is a perfect fit for downtown, bringing a much-needed sports bar along with all the great eats and sights Walk-On’s is known for. We just need more space, at least enough to comfortably seat 100 guests at a time.”
Walk-On’s Halfcourt will join the original Walk-On’s on Burbank Drive across from LSU, the Towne Center location and sister properties in Lafayette and New Orleans. Walk-On’s Enterprises also includes Happy’s Irish Pub — where “Happy’s girls make happy boys” – and Walk-On’s Catering, a concept driven by the popularity of its namesake’s unique Louisiana menu.
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” — 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.
