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."
Chloe Mitchell 
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, the Louisiana-based franchise co-owned by NFL legend Drew Brees, has officially shuttered its location at 3673 Airport Boulevard.
End of an Era in Mobile
A notice posted on the restaurant’s doors confirmed the closure effective June 1. The message expressed gratitude to the Mobile community, noting that it had been an honor to serve the area since the location first opened in summer 2019. The management encouraged local patrons to use their remaining gift cards at other Walk-On’s sites.
When the Mobile store launched five years ago, it marked the beginning of a major regional push that initially aimed to bring the brand to Huntsville, Montgomery, Tuscaloosa, Auburn, and the Birmingham area, as outlined in their 2017 expansion plans. At the time of its debut, franchise operator DBMC Restaurants reported a staff of 125 employees.
A Volatile Portfolio
The closure of the Mobile site follows a trend of instability for the brand, which has seen several locations close since 2023, including spots in Pensacola, Opelika, Las Vegas, and Slidell. Despite these exits, the company continues to maintain a presence elsewhere. As of May 2025, the brand celebrated the opening of its second Town Madison location, which solidified its seventh spot in Alabama.
According to the official Walk-On’s website, seven locations remain active across the state, serving customers in Birmingham, Hoover, Montgomery, Trussville, Tuscaloosa, and Madison.
Future Uncertainty
While the brand has hinted at continued growth—with CEO Chris Porcelli noting nearly 100 restaurants nationwide as of mid-2025—some expansion efforts have faced significant hurdles. The chain has struggled to open a Dothan location for several years. The store's dedicated Facebook page has been quiet since March, leaving the future of that site in question.
