Louisiana sports-themed restaurant co-owned by Drew Brees has closed an Alabama location
It appears that seven other locations in the state remain in operation, with another listed as "coming soon."
Liam Carter 
The landscape for sports dining in Alabama is shifting as a popular chain with high-profile backing closes its doors in Mobile. Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux, a brand co-owned by NFL legend Drew Brees, has officially ceased operations at its 3673 Airport Boulevard location.
A Sudden Departure
Patrons visiting the Mobile establishment found a notice on the doors confirming that the location closed indefinitely as of June 1. The statement expressed gratitude to the community for years of loyalty and support, advising customers that gift cards remain valid at other operational Walk-On’s locations.
While a staff member at the site directed inquiries to the corporate level, representatives from the Louisiana-based franchise group, DBMC Restaurants, and the chain's public relations firm were not immediately available for comment.
A Volatile Portfolio
The closure adds to a string of recent changes for the sports bar chain, which has seen several locations shutter since 2023, including sites in Pensacola, Opelika, and Las Vegas, along with a reported closure in Slidell, Louisiana. Despite these setbacks, the brand continues to push for growth, having celebrated an opening in Town Madison in May 2025. At that time, CEO Chris Porcelli reported that the company managed nearly 100 restaurants nationwide.
Alabama Footprint
Walk-On’s first entered the Alabama market in the summer of 2019 with the Mobile site, which originally employed a staff of 125. The move was part of a broad regional expansion plan targeting major markets including Birmingham, Montgomery, Tuscaloosa, and Auburn.
According to the official Walk-On’s website, the chain currently maintains seven active locations across Alabama, spanning Birmingham, Hoover, Montgomery, Trussville, Tuscaloosa, and two spots in Madison.
Questions remain regarding the status of a long-delayed project in Dothan. While listed as "coming soon" on the corporate site, the project has faced repeated hurdles for several years. Updates on the store's Facebook page have been non-existent since late March, leaving the future of that location uncertain.
