“Best Sports Bar in North America” heads to Lake Charles this summer
That didn’t take long.
Little more than three months after announcing the official launch of its franchising program, Walk-On’s Enterprises has enlisted its first franchise partner.
“CO” Vallet, a 35-year veteran of the service industry, will bring the popular sports bar concept to Lake Charles, LA. Vallet has deep roots in the local community, and he has been searching for the perfect restaurant to introduce to the market.
“Walk-On’s is exactly what I’ve been looking for,” said Vallet. “I discovered the brand a little over a year ago and was genuinely impressed; first, by the excellent food, then by the unique atmosphere and friendly service. I couldn’t be more convinced that it’s an ideal fit for Lake Charles.”
Over the past year, Walk-On’s Enterprises, the Baton Rouge-based owner and operator of Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar, has been putting the many pieces in place necessary to support its move into franchising. A new ownership group was formed last January, several new professionals with franchising experience were hired to bolster the corporate support team and a new franchising model and operational procedures were implemented.
“We believe the timing is perfect for us to franchise Walk-On’s, and I couldn’t be more pleased to get the ball rolling with CO,” said Brandon Landry, co-founder of Walk-On’s Enterprises. “He shares our vision for the brand and understands how to translate its distinctive qualities to the local market. Frankly, we’ve always felt that Lake Charles was a perfect destination for Walk-On’s, thanks to McNeese State and to its diverse economic and cultural attributes. I’m glad we’re finally heading there.”
Vallet said his Walk-On’s will be located at 5313 Common St. in Lake Charles, and anticipates opening in late 2015. In the process, he’ll be bringing approximately 120 new jobs to the southwest region of Louisiana.
“I’ve been in business for more than 35 years in a variety of industries,” Vallet continued. “And I can honestly say that I’ve never been more excited about a new venture than I am about Walk-On’s.”
Earlier this month, Walk-On’s Enterprises broke ground on a new company-owned restaurant in Houma, LA. Another location is projected to open this November in Zachary, with a third planned for Juban Crossing by year’s end. Several additional markets across the Southeastern United States are likewise on the drawing board.
“I’ve got to say, this is really a fun and exhilarating time to work at Walk-On’s,” said Scott Taylor, president and COO of Walk-On’s Enterprises. “We’ve met several outstanding franchisee candidates like CO over the past several months, and it’s clear that the demand for our concept is intense. I feel very confident in saying that as excited as we are by today’s announcement, the best is yet to come!”
To inquire about franchising opportunities, qualified applicants may contact 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 & BarSM — 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.