BATON ROUGE, LA – Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux, the leading restaurant and sports bar concept known for its scratch-made menu and family-friendly atmosphere, recently announced the award winners from its annual franchise conference held this year in Nashville. 

Team members, franchisees and company suppliers recently gathered in Music City for the 2023 annual conference where they participated in educational breakout sessions, heard from fantastic keynote speakers and celebrated the brand’s 20th anniversary. 

“Our annual conference is a time for us to recognize and celebrate the remarkable achievements of our team members, franchisees, and partners,” said Chris Dawson, CEO of Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux. “This year’s gathering not only reinforced our commitment to excellence, but also served as a platform to inspire and motivate everyone in our Walk-On’s family as we continue to grow and innovate.”

Notable awards are given during the conference’s award ceremony, including acknowledgements like Highest Volume, Operator of the Year, Franchisee of the Year and more. This year, Co-Owner of Walk-On’s and former NFL quarterback, Drew Brees, was in attendance to present the awards to the winning team members themselves. 

In addition to the traditional awards, the finalists of the brand’s “Walk-On of the Year” category were also celebrated. Annually, three finalists are invited to the conference and one is selected as the year’s Walk-On of the Year—an hourly team member from across the company’s 80+ restaurant locations who demonstrate the brand’s core values and team-oriented mindset

The Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux 2023 Conference award winners are:

  • 2023 Highest Volume – Team Midland, Texas 
  • Marketer of the Year – Jennifer Zmurk, Walking Tall Brands (Lakeland, Wesley Chapel, Tampa)
  • Culture Keeper – Team Lakeland, Florida 
  • Operator of the Year – Rogers, Arkansas 
  • Franchisee of the Year – Chris McJunkins
  • Vendor of the Year – Lamb Weston 
  • Underdog of the Year – Team Viera (Melbourne, FL)
  • Walk-On of the Year – Tristan Curry (Lakeland, FL)

“We believe that the heart and soul of our brand lies in our incredible team members who bring our team-oriented mindset to life every day,” said Brandon Landry, Co-Founder and Chairman of Walk-On’s. “The ‘Walk-On of the Year’ award is a testament to our core values and the exceptional dedication of hourly team members who go above and beyond. We are truly honored to celebrate these outstanding individuals who make a significant difference in our restaurants and embody what it means to be a Walk-On.”

Establishing itself as an elevated sports bar experience in 2003 after opening its first location on the LSU campus, Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux has built an esteemed reputation for its memorable gameday experience with a taste of Louisiana. The Walk-On’s menu offers a wide variety of authentic Louisiana and Americana cuisine made from scratch using fresh ingredients and is paired with an extensive drink menu consisting of signature cocktails, wine, beer, and spirits. There are currently more than 100 Walk-On’s locations open or in development across the country.

For more information, visit walk-ons.com. To learn more about franchise opportunities, visit www.walkonsfranchising.com.

About Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux
Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux, celebrated as the #1 Sports Bar in America by ESPN, is a nationally recognized restaurant and sports bar that brings together the love of food, sports, and community. Concepted on the back of a napkin by LSU walk-on basketball players Brandon Landry and Jack Warner, Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux opened its doors in 2003 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, right in LSU’s backyard. With a winning culture inspired by the grit, hustle and true spirit of a college walk-on, the brand has become a beloved destination for sports enthusiasts, families, and friends to celebrate any occasion. The menu boasts scratch-made dishes including hand-patted burgers, sandwiches, seafood, and Louisiana favorites, paired with a wide selection of unique cocktails and beers. Walk-On’s, grounded in genuine Louisiana hospitality, ensures that guests feel right at home the moment they step into the restaurant. Entering its 20th year with nearly 100 restaurants in the U.S., Walk-On’s is accelerating nationwide expansion – ranked #1 by Entrepreneur for Top New Franchise and consistently ranking in Top 500 lists for Restaurant Business, Entrepreneur, Franchise Times, and Nation’s Restaurant News. Walk-On’s success and growth are a testament to its passionate franchise partners, including renowned athletes in co-owner Drew Brees, as well as franchisee’s Dak Prescott, Derrick Brooks, and football coach Dabo Swinney. To learn more about Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux or to get more information on becoming a franchisee, please visit walk-ons.com. 

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