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Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux names Luke DeRouen first CMOWalk-On’s Sports Bistreaux names Luke DeRouen first CMO

Casual-dining concept creates role to oversee branding and engagement

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

July 7, 2021

2 Min Read
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Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux has named Luke DeRouen to the new position of chief marketing officer, the company said Wednesday.

The Baton Rouge, La.-based company, which has more than 50 locations, said DeRouen will oversee all of the marketing functions involved with the brand along with beverage innovation, new menu testing and consumer engagement.

Walk-Ons-Luke-DeRouen-CMO.jpgDeRouen most recently served as vice president of brand experience and engagement at Buffalo Wild Wings, the division of Inspire Brands, and earlier worked with Arby’s Restaurant Group Inc.

"His wealth of knowledge and outstanding industry experience aligns with our Walk-On's Way mentality,” said Brandon Landry, CEO and co-founder of Walk-On's, in a statement. “We're confident that Luke will be a tremendous asset for our company."

DeRouen said he was excited to return to his Louisiana roots. “With a unique, quality-first menu, connection to sports and most of all the people and culture in place, we have an incredible story to tell and a massive opportunity to continue building this brand so consumers across the country can experience what sets Walk-On's apart,” he said.

In addition to creating the CMO role, Walk-On’s announced the promotions of six executives, including: Tony Caballero as senior vice president of operations; Bobby Fradella as vice president of training; Charlie Kelly as vice president of talent acquisition; David Bruno as director of new partner training; Keegan Lanier as director of core training; and Chris Williams as director of brand culture.

Related:Walk-On’s continues expansion, eyes smaller restaurant footprint

"Tony, Bobby, Charlie, David, Keegan and Chris have all displayed tremendous leadership during their time at Walk-On's, and their collective knowledge brings value to our brand and our franchise partners," said Scott Taylor, Walk-On’s president and chief operating officer.

Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux was founded in 2003.

Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected]

Follow him on Twitter: @RonRuggless

About the Author

Ron Ruggless

Senior Editor, Nation’s Restaurant News / Restaurant Hospitality

Ron Ruggless serves as a senior editor for Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN.com) and Restaurant Hospitality (Restaurant-Hospitality.com) online and print platforms. He joined NRN in 1992 after working 10 years in various roles at the Dallas Times Herald newspaper, including restaurant critic, assistant business editor, food editor and lifestyle editor. He also edited several printings of the Zagat Dining Guide for Dallas-Fort Worth, and his articles and photographs have appeared in Food & Wine, Food Network and Self magazines. 

Ron Ruggless’ areas of expertise include foodservice mergers, acquisitions, operations, supply chain, research and development and marketing. 

Ron Ruggless is a frequent moderator and panelist at industry events ranging from the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators (MUFSO) conference to RestaurantSpaces, the Council of Hospitality and Restaurant Trainers, the National Restaurant Association’s Marketing Executives Group, local restaurant associations and the Horeca Professional Expo in Madrid, Spain.

Ron Ruggless’ experience:

Regional and Senior Editor, Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality (1992 to present)

Features Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1989-1991)

Restaurant Critic and Food Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1987-1988)

Editing Roles – Dallas Times Herald (1982-1987)

Editing Roles – Charlotte (N.C.) Observer (1980-1982)

Editing Roles – Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald (1978-1980)

Email: [email protected]

Social media:

Twitter@RonRuggless

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ronruggless

Instagram: @RonRuggless

TikTok: @RonRuggless

 

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