The DFW metro area is home to more sports bars than you can shake a foam finger at, but it’s never had the Cajun-inspired concept that won ESPN’s title of “No. 1 Sports Bar in North America.”
That’s about to change, with the announcement that Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar is heading to North Texas early next year. And it’s bringing along its signature Louisiana-style menu, game-day atmosphere, and cheerleaders to make sure every guest feels welcome.
Brandon Landry, co-founder and owner of Walk-On’s Enterprises, announced that the company has executed an Area Development Agreement (ADA) covering the greater Dallas-Fort Worth market with WO Metroplex, LLC, owned by Lubbock entrepreneurs Johnny Qubty and Josh Allen.
Qubty and Allen plan to open five Walk-On’s locations throughout the DFW area over the next several years.
“Ever since we began working with Walk-On’s on the Lubbock franchise, I’ve been blown away by both this incredible brand and the executive team behind it,” Qubty says. “Josh and I wanted to walk in Lubbock before we started running in DFW, and now we couldn’t be more excited to introduce the ‘Best Sports Bar in North America’ to the people of North Texas.”
Baton Rouge–based Walk-On’s has eight locations throughout Louisiana—two in Baton Rouge and one each in New Orleans, Lafayette, Houma, Shreveport, Lake Charles, and Denham Springs. Other locations are on the way in Zachary, Covington, and Alexandria, as well as three Texas markets: Houston, Lubbock, and Tyler. Several additional markets across the southern U.S. are likewise on the drawing board.
Last May, New Orleans Saints superstar Drew Brees and his wife, Brittany, bought into Walk-On’s Enterprises as co-owners. Drew pointed out that Walk-On’s is “a great place to bring my family, teammates, and business colleagues” and that they were excited to help “expand the brand across the nation.”
“It’s been a pleasure working with Josh and Johnny over the past several months, and I think they’re the perfect guys to bring Walk-On’s to DFW,” Landry says. “They are passionate about our brand, they know the market, and they have all the tools they need to be successful. I have no doubt that the folks in North Texas are going to love the food and atmosphere at Walk-On’s from the minute we first open our doors there.”
Qubty and Allen are currently scouting locations for the first DFW–area location, which they hope to open in early 2017.
