Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux Opens in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

After two years of planning and construction, Tuscaloosa's newest restaurant is officially open for business. Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux, a Baton Rouge-based chain, features a wide variety of cajun-inspired meals. Tuscaloosa marks the fourth franchise location in the state and 52nd in the country.

Members of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama were present for a short ribbon cutting ceremony before the restaurant officially opened Monday.

"We're very excited that we finally got to this point," said Barkley Garrett, VP of Economic Development for The Chamber. "We're thrilled they chose Tuscaloosa to make their next investment, and give folks on this side of town a new restaurant."

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The restaurant boasts a massive interior that seats nearly 300 people. 67 large flatscreen TVs line the walls, featuring all things sports. There's even a gaming corner for those interested in a quick round of arcade basketball.

The menu offers everything from familiar favorites like hand-pattied burgers and po'boys to Walk-On's staples including waffle cheese fries, "cajundillas" and Krispy Kreme donut bread pudding.

In addition to celebrating their grand opening, Walk-On's also celebrated their recent fundraiser for the Nick's Kids Foundation. During their "pre-game" mock service days, where select customers were treated to a free meal so their kitchen and wait staff could train, any money raised by alcoholic drink purchases would go directly to the foundation.

"With every opening, Walk-On's donates all of our beer and wine proceeds to a charity of choice. We're very involved with kids organizations, including a nonprofit called the Game On Foundation, where we revitalize playgrounds in communities that need life brought to them," said Jamie Smith, a representative from Walk-On's Tuscaloosa. "Nick's Kids is similar to that, on a larger scale. And with Nick Saban kind of being the 'King of Alabama,' it was an obvious choice."

Smith said the event raised a total of $5,000, and a representative from the foundation will be present Tuesday to receive the check.