Just three months after officially launching its franchise program, Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar announced today it has inked its first deal. Its first franchise location will open in Lake Charles under the direction of franchisee Clarence “CO” Vallet, a 35-year service industry veteran who has “deep roots in the community,” the Baton Rouge-based sports bar says.
“We believe the timing is perfect for us to franchise Walk-On’s, and I couldn’t be more pleased to get the ball rolling with CO,” Brandon Landry, co-founder of Walk-On’s Enterprises, says in a prepared statement. “He shares our vision for the brand and understands how to translate its distinctive qualities to the local market. Frankly, we’ve always felt that Lake Charles was a perfect destination for Walk-On’s, thanks to McNeese State and to its diverse economic and cultural attributes. I’m glad we’re finally heading there.”
Vallet says his Walk-On’s will be at 5313 Common St. in Lake Charles, and he anticipates opening it late this year. In the process, he estimates he’ll bring about 120 jobs to the area.
“Walk-On’s is exactly what I’ve been looking for,” Vallet says. “I’ve been in business for more than 35 years in a variety of industries, and I can honestly say that I’ve never been more excited about a new venture than I am about Walk-On’s.”
Earlier this week, Walk-On’s announced it will open a company-owned restaurant at the Juban Crossing development in Livingston Parish. And earlier this month, it broke ground on a new company-owned restaurant in Houma; its first in the market. Another location is projected to open this November in Zachary.
