Another popular restaurant chain has shut down yet another location, adding to a wave of closures sweeping through the dining industry. The growing list of shutdowns has become an unsettling trend, showing no signs of slowing, as even established brands face mounting challenges
Despite an aggressive expansion strategy in recent years, opening various restaurants across new markets, the economic pressures affecting the broader food service industry appear to have caught up with this once fast-growing brand.
Founded in 2003 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, by two former LSU basketball players, Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux has built a strong following with its Cajun-inspired American cuisine, wide selection of beer, and walls covered by big-screen TVs broadcasting live sports games all day long.…
Another popular restaurant chain has shut down yet another location, adding to a wave of closures sweeping through the dining industry. The growing list of shutdowns has become an unsettling trend, showing no signs of slowing, as even established brands face mounting challenges
Despite an aggressive expansion strategy in recent years, opening various restaurants across new markets, the economic pressures affecting the broader food service industry appear to have caught up with this once fast-growing brand.
Founded in 2003 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, by two former LSU basketball players, Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux has built a strong following with its Cajun-inspired American cuisine, wide selection of beer, and walls covered by big-screen TVs broadcasting live sports games all day long. Growing from a single location to nearly 80 restaurants across 12 states, this chain has become a favorite among sports bar-going fans.
In 2022, the company opened an Atlanta office to support its rapid growth, aiming to reach 100 locations through franchise development and corporate expansion while keeping its headquarters in Baton Rouge.
Two years later, Walk-On’s signed a 20-restaurant development deal to open locations across Georgia and Tennessee, featuring a more cost-efficient restaurant format aimed at boosting profitability without sacrificing quality.
But somewhere along the way, the brand’s momentum appears to have stalled. In recent months, Walk-on’s has quietly begun closing multiple locations, signaling a possible shift in strategy.
Walk-On’s has permanently closed its Las Vegas location inside the Harrah’s Hotel & Casino, a little over three years after opening.
A sign posted on the restaurant’s front door read: “Thank you for your support! Walk-On’s has permanently closed its doors. We appreciate all our customers over the years.”
The Las Vegas location has since been removed from the company’s website, and no official statement has been released regarding the closure or potential job losses.
When it first opened in March 2022, the restaurant was expected to create 180 jobs as part of a partnership with Harrah’s parent company, Caesar’s Entertainment, aimed at expanding the chain’s footprint in high-traffic, profitable markets, according to the press release.
*Walk-On’s has permanently closes its Las Vegas location inside the Harrah’s Hotel & Casino.*Shutterstock
The Walk-On’s Las Vegas closure marks the sixth location shuttered this year, with some locations closing without explanation and others citing underperformance.
Broussard, Louisiana: Closed February 3, 2025
Acadiana, Louisiana: Closed February 3, 2025
Bristol, Tennessee: Closed February 3, 2025
Opelika, Alabama: Closed February 3, 2025
Waco, Texas: Closed on May 3, 2025
Las Vegas, Nevada: Closed November 4, 2025 Source: The Street.