A “bistreaux” and bar franchise called Walk-On’s is adding its Louisiana-inspired menu of game day grub to the Wesley Chapel food scene. Part of the Cypress Creek Town Center and neighbors with Pasco newbies like Chuy’s Tex-Mex and MOD Pizza, the 8,200-square-foot sports bar at 25372 Sierra Center Blvd. will break ground on Monday, Nov. 5.
Next year, local franchise owners Jared Burnett and Paul Hollabaugh expect to open Walk-On’s Wesley Chapel — a first for Tampa Bay — in June. The brand’s latest location will bring as many as 200 jobs to the community.
“We have finally found the perfect location to open our new restaurant,” said Burnett in a statement, “and I’m eager to soon serve the community our incredible, made from scratch food that will show our guests what true Louisiana cuisine is all about.”
Hollabaugh added: “Walk-On’s is unlike anything in the area, so we know it’s going to be a very welcome addition to the dining and entertainment landscape, and we look forward to a plethora of community engagement opportunities.”
Former Louisiana State University walk-on basketball player Brandon Landry founded his full-service sports bar with a something-for-everyone atmosphere in 2003. Interestingly, NFL superstar Drew Brees, quarterback for the New Orleans Saints, is also a co-owner of Walk-On’s.
Duck and andouille gumbo, Cajundillas, pepper jelly shrimp salad, gator po’ boys and crawfish étouffée are among the sports bar’s signature eats. As far as specialty cocktails go, there’s everything from Moonshine Swirl (moonshine blended with the peach or strawberry frozen margarita) to Death Valley (vodka, silver rum, triple sec and Razzmatazz served in a 32-ounce cup with orange and pineapple juices).
The public is welcome to attend the Walk-On’s Wesley Chapel groundbreaking ceremony, followed by a reception that essentially functions as an exclusive tasting with complimentary bites and beverages.
“We’re extremely excited to bring everyone in the Tampa Bay area a Walk-On’s to call their own,” according to Landry. “Our Walk-On’s team could not be more pleased to be welcoming Jared and Paul into our family and know that they are true, passionate, food-oriented franchisees who will bring nothing but success to this new territory we’re expanding in. I look forward to witnessing how the community reacts to our arrival and hope that each and everyone enjoys themselves and our food as soon as we open.”
Poised to expand nationwide, Walk-On’s has more than 100 locations in development around 15 states.
This article appears in Nov 22-29, 2018.