Baton Rouge-based Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux has been recognized as the No. 1 brand in Entrepreneur magazine’s 2020 Top New Franchises Ranking.
The ranking came from a list of 100 companies, narrowed down from 500 submitted to Entrepreneur, that began franchising in the past five years. The companies were scored based on more than 150 data points in the areas of costs and fees, size and growth, franchisee support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability.
Because of the pandemic, Walk-On’s temporarily suspended franchise royalty payments, with the suggestion that owners pour those funds into homegrown efforts to support their team members. It also retained all of its managers to have a foundation set for post-pandemic efforts. The brand adapted its business operations to offer curbside pickup and third-party delivery while rolling out family value meals and take and bake options. Walk-On’s also launched Furlough Kitchen by Walk-On’s, a nonprofit organization that provides furloughed hospitality workers free meals. The movement has served more than 14,000 meals across five states.
“We are humbled and honored to be recognized by Entrepreneur as the top 2020 new franchise,” said Walk-On’s President and COO Scott Taylor. “Especially recently, it is a reminder of the incredible culture we’ve built, our hardworking franchise office support team, and our dedicated franchisees that continue to propel this brand to greatness.”
Today, with 150 locations in development across 15 states, Walk On’s says it is on track for continued strategic franchise expansion. Read the full announcement about the ranking.
