WILMINGTON — A Louisiana-based restaurant and sports bar chain that opened in front of Independence Mall in July 2021 has closed.
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According to a note posted on Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux’s door: “The decision was not made lightly, and we want to express our deepest gratitude for your unwavering support over the years.”
Last week, Port City Daily reached out to franchise owner Jason Sadowski about the possible closure after hearing rumors of the impending change, but a response was never received.
Memorial Day appeared to be the location’s final service.
The Wilmington closure follows in the footsteps of two other Walk-On’s in the southeastern Carolinas. Fayetteville’s location closed May 8 and the Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, store closed April 17 (another Walk-On’s remains open in nearby Surfside Beach).
The restaurant brought in sports fans aplenty to its 7,500-square-foot eatery, where every seat in the house had a view of one of almost 100 TVs. The restaurant was known for its burgers, seafood and Cajun and Creole entrees.
The chain started in 2003 by Brandon Landry and Jack Warner, two walk-ons for the Louisiana State University basketball team. In 2015, it gained a new co-owner in former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees.
Landry and Brees began franchising Walk-On’s nationwide, and a 2020 investment from Atlanta-based 10 Point Capital allowed for more of an expansion. Today, roughly 75 stores exist.
The note on the Oleander Drive door states in its entirety:
“Dear Wilmington,
We are writing to you with a heavy heart to announce that Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux has closed its doors for the last time. This decision was not made lightly, and we want to express our deepest gratitude for your unwavering support over the years.
Thank you for being part of our journey. We are forever grateful for the friendships and memories we have made together.”
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