A people-first mentality has been key to the chain’s success
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A Baton Rouge, La.-based sports bar chain has quietly become one of the most exciting brands to watch in the restaurant industry.
Founded in 2003 by former Louisiana State University basketball walk-on Brandon Landry, and with backing from former NFL quarterback Drew Brees, Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux has steadily grown to 75 locations in 13 states, with the system doing $5 million in average unit volume.
Now 2023 is expected to be a banner year for Walk-On’s. The brand is expected to open 15 franchise locations this year in the Southeast and Midwest, and it’s evolving its operations to further capitalize on the momentum.
Walk-On’s CEO Scott Taylor credits the company’s growth so far to its people-first mentality. Still, Taylor said Walk-On’s is exploring tech innovation and operational efficiencies to best set franchisees up for success. He joined the latest episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches to discuss Walk-On’s growth and how it’s trying to balance that people-forward mentality with innovation in areas like technology.
In this conversation, you’ll find out why:
Restaurant people are underdogs
Technology should enhance the guest experience first and foremost, while efficiency is a great byproduct
Loyalty is about emotion
Franchising is the perfect model to scale culture
If you put people first, everything else will follow
If you invest enough into your culture, it should transfer to your digital experience too
Your menu is how you make money, so don’t cut any corners
Don’t innovate for innovation’s sake
Contact Sam Oches at [email protected].
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