Walk-On's unveils compact prototype ahead of Baton Rouge opening

Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux unveiled interior renderings for a smaller restaurant prototype on Oct. 13, 2026, with the first location scheduled to open on Perkins Road in Baton Rouge in early 2027. The franchised sports-bar brand said the design would give franchisees greater flexibility over restaurant sites and layouts while retaining its full menu.

Developed by Madrid-based restaurant design firm Livit, the model has a 3,500- to 4,500-square-foot footprint, compared with the brand's traditional 7,000- to 8,000-plus-square-foot format. The Baton Rouge restaurant will occupy approximately 3,688 square feet and seat 125 guests.

Adaptable layouts for franchise development

Rather than requiring a fixed floor plan, the prototype uses a modular approach that allows franchisees to choose or add features according to their market, site and preferences. Walk-On's said this flexibility was intended to broaden the options available to operators developing restaurants.

Brandon Landry, chief executive and co-founder, said the objective was to rethink the restaurant experience without losing the brand's identity. He said the design would give franchisees more choice in where and how they build, while maintaining its emphasis on hospitality, sports and community connections.

The bar remains central to the layout, but adopts a peninsula-style configuration that can be adapted to different spaces. A separate lounge area is designed to accommodate casual seating, larger groups and game-day gatherings, and can also provide additional dining capacity.

Kitchen changes and dedicated delivery collection

The kitchen will use new equipment, including clamshell grills, which the company said is intended to simplify training, improve consistency and reduce ticket times. Walk-On's said the more compact kitchen would still be able to produce its full menu.

Collection cubbies near the host stand will provide a designated area for orders placed through Uber Eats, DoorDash and other delivery services. The company said this arrangement was designed to keep delivery collection from disrupting movement through the restaurant.

Sports viewing will centre on a large television wall and an upgraded audiovisual package, with a further television wall planned for the patio. The host stand will also serve as a merchandise sales point, while wall displays will feature local high schools, athletes, jerseys and other community references.

Atlanta restaurant informs the new model

The prototype draws on experience from existing restaurants, including Walk-On's 3,700-square-foot location at The Battery in Atlanta. According to the company, that restaurant demonstrated its ability to deliver the full menu and sports-bar experience in a compact, inline format.

Walk-On's is applying those lessons to a purpose-built design, with the Perkins Road opening set to bring the new format into operation. For franchisees, the proposed changes combine a smaller footprint with adaptable guest areas, revised kitchen equipment and dedicated delivery collection.

Founded in Baton Rouge in 2003 by Landry and Jack Warner, Walk-On's has grown to more than 80 locations nationwide. The brand serves Louisiana-inspired dishes in a family-friendly sports-bar setting and said it is pursuing growth in markets across the country.