Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux, the Baton Rouge, Louisiana-based restaurant chain co-owned by Brandon Landry, former walk-on basketball player at LSU, and former NFL quarterback Drew Brees, will soon open the doors of its Wilmington location, 3710 Oleander Drive.
The restaurant specializes in American and Cajun cuisine with unique twists on game-day favorites like hand-pattied burgers and buffalo chicken sandwiches, as well as upscale takes on Louisiana mainstays such as blackened redfish tacos, crawfish etouffee, duck and andouille gumbo and Krispy Kreme Donut bread pudding.
According to the company’s website, culinary operations for the company are led by chef Mike Turner, who began his career with The Cheesecake Factory. During his 18-year tenure, he held positions in regional and corporate operations and helped expand the concept globally into Kuwait, Dubai and Saudi Arabia. Turner then shifted gears to lead Copeland’s of New Orleans, a distinctive Louisiana restaurant, before becoming a member of the Walk-On’s team.
Located in front of Independence Mall, the newly constructed 7,500-square-foot restaurant will feature more than 70 TVs and a large patio. This will be the second North Carolina location for the company and 55th systemwide.
A release from the company stated that in the coming weeks, Walk-On’s intends to hire up to 200 local individuals to join its Wilmington team.
“We couldn’t be more excited to bring another Walk-On’s to North Carolina and couldn’t think of a better destination for the new restaurant than Wilmington,” said franchisee Jason Sadowski. “Our new restaurant is in a great location, right next to Independence Mall and minutes from America’s best riverfront, UNCW and Wrightsville Beach. I have no doubt that locals and visitors alike will love Walk-On’s fresh, Louisiana-inspired dishes served in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.”
Sadowski opened his first Walk-On’s in Myrtle Beach in June 2020 and is expected to open his third location in Charlotte this fall.
A spokesperson for the restaurant said the Wilmington location is expected to open in June, but an exact date has not yet been set.
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