Walk-On’s Hit $5 Million AUV and 27% SSS Growth in 2021, Named Entrepreneur’s ‘#1 Sports Bar Franchise’ for Second Consecutive Year

Record development also highlights 2021 with 15 new locations and 20 more primed for 2022

February 02, 2022 // Franchising.com // BATON ROUGE - Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux proved again in 2021 to be a disruptor in the casual dining space as it closed the year with 27% positive same-store sales growth over 2020, $5 million in average unit volume and was named Entrepreneur’s “#1 Sports Bar Franchise” for the second consecutive year. Walk-On’s again made the top 100 of Entrepreneur’s “2022 Franchise 500® Ranking,” coming in at #87.

Sales weren’t the only growth areas for Walk-On’s as restaurant development hit new heights with 15 new restaurants in 2021 and 100 more in various stages of development. New markets opened include Kissimmee and Tallahassee, Florida; Oxford, Mississippi; Wilmington, North Carolina and more. In Lakeland, Florida, just outside of Tampa, Walk-On’s launched its new “Bulldog” building model in partnership with franchisee, Walking Tall Brands. The new restaurant design can reduce construction and real estate costs by 15% in some states and features elevated graphics and a new beer garden.

Walk-On’s added to its C-suite with Chief Marketing Officer Luke DeRouen who has since led Walk-On’s success in all marketing functions and consumer engagement. Additionally, Walk-On’s promoted four in-house executives at its Baton Rouge-based headquarters and added a Vice President of IT, a Vice President of Financial Planning & Analysis and a Director of Loyalty & Ecommerce to the brand’s newly announced Atlanta office to further build its winning leadership team.

In addition to its development and leadership advancements, Walk-On’s capitalized on the groundbreaking Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) policy across collegiate athletics by launching its Walk-On of the Week program. In 2021, Walk-On’s partnered with 19 collegiate athletes across the country, highlighting the special spirit of the underdog. Through the program, the brand ensured that walk-on athletes received the recognition and support they deserve.

“At Walk-On’s, we pride ourselves in being a leading national franchise in the restaurant and casual dining space, and 2021 proved no different,” said Walk-On’s CEO & Founder Brandon Landry. “As we head into 2022, we’re well-positioned to spur even more growth and couldn’t have made these strides without our incredible team. We are proud to continue to introduce Walk-On’s scratch-made Cajun and Americana cuisine and family-friendly atmosphere to more markets across the country as we kick off 2022.”

At Walk-On’s, each dish is made from scratch, using fresh ingredients to bring its mouthwatering, Louisiana cuisine to life. In 2021, the menu underwent a revamp that included several new food items, new signature cocktails and elevated plating. The diverse menu features unique twists on game-day staples and upscale takes on Louisiana mainstays, such as Crawfish Etouffee, Duck & Andouille Gumbo and Krispy Kreme Donut Bread Pudding.

Walk-On’s: Game Day With A Taste Of Louisiana.

SOURCE Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux

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