Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux has shared a more detailed look at the inner workings of the streamlined prototype it announced in August, a smaller format the chain says is intended to help operators make better use of space and streamline operations. The first store built on the design is scheduled to open early next year at 8150 Perkins Road in Baton Rouge, La.
The "next-generation sports bar model" was designed by Madrid-based restaurant design firm Livit and is tailored to stores of roughly 3,500 to 4,500 square feet. By comparison, a traditional Walk-On's location spans 7,000 to more than 8,000 square feet. The planned Baton Rouge store will occupy approximately 3,688 square feet and seat 125 guests.
In the back of house, the prototype introduces new clamshell griddles along with other equipment additions. According to the company, these are intended to simplify training, improve consistency and reduce ticket times while still allowing the restaurant to serve the full Walk-On's menu.
In the front of house, the bar remains the center of the restaurant, configured in a peninsula style that can adapt to different layouts. Near the hostess stand, pickup cubbies are planned to handle off-premise orders without disrupting the flow of the dining room.
A Flexible 'Kit of Parts'
Rather than relying on a single fixed layout, the new design is built as a flexible "kit of parts," the company said, allowing franchisees to select or add key elements based on their market, site and personal preference.
The prototype draws on lessons from Walk-On's existing restaurants, including its 3,700-square-foot location at The Battery in Atlanta. That restaurant demonstrated that the brand can deliver its full menu and sports-bar experience in a more compact, inline format, according to the company, and Walk-On's is now applying those learnings to a "purpose-built prototype" designed to give franchisees more options.
Leadership Perspective
"We wanted to rethink what the Walk-On's experience can look like without losing what makes us Walk-On's," said Brandon Landry, CEO and co-founder of Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux. "The new design gives our franchisees more flexibility in where and how they build, while keeping the energy, hospitality and community connection our guests know and love."
Walk-On's was founded in 2003 in Baton Rouge by Landry and Jack Warner, both former LSU Basketball walk-ons. The brand now operates more than 80 locations nationwide.