Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux is one of the fastest-growing full-service sports bar concepts in America, combining Louisiana-inspired cuisine with a game-day atmosphere that keeps guests coming back. Founded near LSU's Tiger Stadium in 2003 by two former walk-on basketball players, the brand now has nearly 100 locations across the country - and it's actively seeking passionate franchisees to fuel its next chapter of growth. If you're ready to join this winning team, understanding your financing options is the first play you need to make.
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Before you can open a Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux, you need a clear-eyed picture of what you're getting into financially. This is not a low-cost fast-food franchise - it's a full-service, experience-driven restaurant concept with significant upfront investment requirements. But the earning potential, brand strength, and loyal customer base make it one of the most compelling franchise opportunities in the casual dining segment.
According to the Walk-On's Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), total initial investment ranges from approximately $1,554,500 to $7,056,300 depending on location, format, and buildout specifics. Here's a breakdown of the major cost categories:
The initial franchise fee for your first Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux location is $60,000. This fee grants you the right to operate under the Walk-On's brand, access training programs, and receive ongoing operational support from the corporate team. For multi-unit developers, the per-unit fee may be negotiable for subsequent locations.
Walk-On's locations require significant space - typically between 5,000 and 8,000 square feet - to accommodate the full-service dining room, bar area, multiple high-definition screens, and kitchen infrastructure. Depending on whether you're building from the ground up, converting an existing restaurant space, or fitting out a shell unit in a new development, buildout costs can range from $800,000 to $4,500,000 or more. Markets with higher real estate values (major metro areas, premium retail corridors) will push costs toward the upper end of this range.
A Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux requires extensive commercial kitchen equipment, bar infrastructure (draft beer systems, refrigeration, speed rails), audio-visual systems for the sports viewing experience, and front-of-house furniture and decor. Equipment and furnishing costs typically run between $250,000 and $600,000.
Walk-On's charges a technology fee of up to $500 per month for point-of-sale systems, back-office software, and integrated technology platforms. Initial technology setup costs are included in the overall investment range.
You'll need sufficient working capital to cover payroll, food and beverage costs, utilities, marketing, and other operating expenses during the critical ramp-up period - typically at least six months. The FDD recommends having $100,000 to $300,000 in working capital reserves beyond your buildout costs.
Walk-On's requires prospective franchisees to demonstrate:
By the Numbers
Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux - Key Statistics
$1.5M+
Minimum Total Investment
~100
Locations Nationwide
$60K
Initial Franchise Fee
20-25
New Units Opened Annually
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Apply NowSecuring the right financing mix is critical when investing in a full-service restaurant franchise like Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux. The good news is that multiple lending pathways exist - and smart franchisees often layer two or three of them together to optimize their capital stack. Here's a comprehensive look at your options:
The SBA 7(a) loan program is one of the most popular financing tools for franchise investors. Backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration, these loans offer competitive interest rates, longer repayment terms (up to 10 years for working capital, 25 years for real estate), and lower down payment requirements than conventional bank loans.
Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux is an established franchise brand, which makes it generally favorable for SBA 7(a) approval. Loan amounts can reach up to $5 million, which can cover a significant portion of your total investment. For franchise loans specifically, lenders will typically want to see the franchisor registered on the SBA's Franchise Directory.
Key considerations for SBA 7(a):
For franchisees who plan to own their real estate or purchase significant equipment, the SBA 504 loan program offers an attractive structure. With 504 loans, you can finance up to 90% of eligible project costs through a combination of bank financing (50%), a Certified Development Company (CDC) loan (40%), and your own equity injection (10%).
Interest rates on the CDC portion are fixed and typically below market rates, making 504 loans especially valuable for long-term real estate investments. If you're planning to own your Walk-On's building rather than lease, this should be a serious conversation with your lender. Learn more about SBA loan programs available through Crestmont Capital.
Traditional commercial bank loans remain a viable option for well-qualified borrowers, particularly those with existing banking relationships, strong credit profiles, and substantial collateral. Banks will typically finance 60-80% of a project's appraised value, requiring a larger equity injection than SBA programs.
Conventional loans often have faster approval timelines than SBA loans (30-60 days versus 60-90 days), but come with stricter underwriting standards and higher interest rates in some cases. For a franchise with Walk-On's brand recognition and proven unit economics, conventional lenders are generally receptive.
Given the significant equipment costs associated with a full-service sports bar (commercial kitchen equipment, bar systems, AV infrastructure), dedicated equipment financing can be an effective way to fund this piece of your capital stack without tapping your SBA loan capacity.
Equipment loans are secured by the equipment itself, which means:
A business line of credit is not the right tool for funding your buildout, but it's an essential working capital resource once you're operational. A revolving credit line gives you flexibility to manage seasonal cash flow fluctuations, cover unexpected repairs, fund marketing campaigns, or bridge payroll during slow periods.
Most new Walk-On's franchisees should budget for a $100,000 to $500,000 credit line in addition to their primary construction/buildout financing. Having this cushion in place before you open - not after - is a key operational best practice.
For franchise investors who need to move quickly on a lease or equipment purchase, or who may not qualify for traditional bank financing, fast business loans and alternative lending products offer speed and flexibility that traditional banks cannot match.
These products include:
While alternative loans typically carry higher rates, they serve a critical function in franchise financing when timing is critical or when traditional channels aren't available.
Crestmont Capital is the #1 rated business lender in the United States, with a specialized focus on helping entrepreneurs and franchise investors access the capital they need to grow. Unlike traditional banks that apply rigid, one-size-fits-all underwriting criteria, Crestmont Capital works with each borrower individually to structure the right financing solution for their specific situation.
Small Business Loans: Our core term loan product offers funding from $50,000 to $5 million with terms up to 10 years. Ideal for covering initial franchise fees, working capital, and supplemental buildout costs.
SBA Loan Assistance: Crestmont Capital works with SBA-preferred lenders to help you navigate the SBA loan process. We can help you prepare a strong application, identify the right lender, and move through underwriting efficiently.
Equipment Financing: Finance your kitchen equipment, bar systems, POS technology, and AV infrastructure separately from your construction loan. Terms from 24-84 months with competitive fixed rates.
Business Lines of Credit: Establish a revolving credit facility before you open to ensure you have working capital on hand from day one. Draw only what you need, pay interest only on what you use.
Bad Credit Business Loans: Less-than-perfect credit doesn't automatically disqualify you. Crestmont Capital evaluates the full picture - your business plan, franchise brand strength, industry experience, and cash flow projections - not just your FICO score.
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Apply NowUnderstanding what lenders evaluate when you apply for franchise financing helps you prepare a stronger application and improves your chances of approval at favorable terms. Here's what most lenders - including SBA-preferred lenders and alternative lenders like Crestmont Capital - will scrutinize:
Your personal FICO score is a primary screening factor. For SBA loans, most lenders prefer a score of 680 or above. Conventional banks may require 720+. Alternative lenders like Crestmont Capital can work with scores in the 600-679 range, particularly when other factors are strong. If your credit has blemishes, consider reviewing your credit report for errors and addressing any outstanding issues before applying.
Walk-On's corporate requires minimum liquid capital of $200,000-$500,000 and net worth of $1,000,000-$1,500,000. Lenders will want to verify these figures through bank statements, investment account statements, and personal financial statements. Your liquidity position tells lenders you have enough cushion to survive the ramp-up period without defaulting.
Restaurant and hospitality experience significantly strengthens your loan application. If you have prior experience managing or owning food service businesses, highlight this prominently. Walk-On's corporate actively seeks franchisees with restaurant operations backgrounds. Lenders view experience as a risk-mitigation factor - operators who know the industry make fewer costly mistakes.
A detailed business plan with realistic financial projections (typically 3-5 years of pro formas) is essential for any franchise loan application. Your projections should be grounded in Walk-On's actual unit-level economics (available in the FDD) and adjusted for your specific market. SBA lenders will scrutinize your assumptions carefully - conservative projections are better than optimistic ones.
For larger loans, lenders may require collateral beyond the franchise assets themselves. This can include:
SBA loans require lenders to take available collateral, but an insufficient collateral position doesn't automatically disqualify you if other factors are strong.
Lenders view established, growing franchise systems more favorably than emerging concepts. Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux - with its nearly 100 locations, celebrity investor (Drew Brees), and aggressive expansion trajectory - is well-regarded in the franchise lending community. This brand recognition can work in your favor when seeking financing.
Numbers on paper are one thing - seeing how financing actually works in practice is more useful. Here are three illustrative scenarios showing how different Walk-On's franchise investors might approach their capital stack:
Profile: Restaurant industry veteran, 720 credit score, $750,000 liquid, $2.5M net worth, opening a 6,500 sq ft location in a suburban market.
Total project cost: $3,200,000
Capital stack:
Monthly debt service estimate: ~$28,000-$34,000 (SBA + equipment combined)
Profile: Career professional transitioning to franchising, 680 credit score, $300,000 liquid, $1.2M net worth, pursuing Walk-On's smaller prototype format.
Total project cost: $1,900,000
Capital stack:
Monthly debt service estimate: ~$18,000-$22,000
Profile: Existing multi-unit franchise operator, 750+ credit score, $1.5M liquid, $4M+ net worth, signed 3-unit development agreement.
Per-unit project cost: $2,800,000 (average across 3 sites)
Capital stack approach:
Multi-unit developers often negotiate better terms on both the franchise fee side and the lending side due to economies of scale and demonstrated commitment to the brand.
According to Forbes, the most successful franchise investors are those who approach financing strategically - securing the right mix of products, lenders, and terms before signing any lease or franchise agreement. Starting the financing conversation early (ideally 3-6 months before your target opening) gives you maximum optionality.
Not all lenders are created equal when it comes to franchise financing. Here's how the major lending categories compare on the factors that matter most to Walk-On's franchise investors:
| Lender Type | Loan Amounts | Speed | Credit Required | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crestmont Capital | $50K - $5M+ | 24-48 hours | 600+ | Speed + flexibility |
| SBA 7(a) Lenders | Up to $5M | 60-90 days | 680+ | Best rates + terms |
| SBA 504 Lenders | $125K - $20M | 60-90 days | 680+ | Real estate purchase |
| Traditional Banks | $250K - $10M+ | 30-60 days | 720+ | Strong credit profiles |
| Equipment Lenders | $25K - $2M | 1-5 days | 640+ | Equipment-specific |
Industry data from CNBC and the Small Business Administration consistently shows that franchise businesses have higher approval rates and lower default rates than non-franchise small businesses - making Walk-On's franchisees particularly attractive borrowers for lenders of all types.
The key insight from experienced franchise investors: don't limit yourself to a single lending source. The most efficient capital stacks combine the right tool for each piece of the investment - SBA for primary construction, equipment financing for the bar and kitchen, and a line of credit for working capital. Crestmont Capital can help you architect this multi-layered approach from the start.
For more information on small business financing options in general, our small business loans page provides a comprehensive overview of what's available.
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Apply Now - No ObligationThe total initial investment ranges from approximately $1,554,500 to $7,056,300 depending on location, format (standard vs. smaller footprint), and buildout specifics. The initial franchise fee is $60,000. You'll also need to demonstrate $200,000-$500,000 in liquid capital and a minimum net worth of $1,000,000-$1,500,000 to qualify as a franchisee.
Can I get an SBA loan to finance a Walk-On's franchise?Yes, SBA 7(a) loans are one of the most popular financing vehicles for Walk-On's franchise investors. With loan amounts up to $5 million and terms up to 10 years, the SBA 7(a) program can cover a significant portion of your total investment. You'll generally need a personal credit score of 680 or above, a solid business plan, and sufficient equity injection (typically 10-30% of project cost) to qualify.
How long does it take to get a franchise loan approved?Approval timelines vary by lender type. Crestmont Capital can provide decisions in as little as 24-48 hours for qualified borrowers. SBA loans typically take 60-90 days from application to funding. Traditional banks typically take 30-60 days. Equipment financing can be approved in as little as 1-5 business days. Most franchise investors should start the financing process 3-6 months before their target opening to allow adequate time.
Do I need restaurant experience to get a Walk-On's franchise loan?Restaurant industry experience is not a hard requirement for franchise financing, but it significantly strengthens your application. Lenders view industry experience as a risk-mitigation factor. Walk-On's corporate also prefers franchisees with food service operations backgrounds. If you lack direct restaurant experience, partnering with an experienced operator or hiring strong management can compensate in lenders' eyes.
What is the royalty fee for Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux?Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux charges a royalty fee of 5% of gross revenue, plus a marketing/brand fund contribution of 3% of gross revenue. There is also a technology fee of up to $500 per month. These ongoing fees should be factored into your cash flow projections when calculating your ability to service debt.
Can I get a Walk-On's franchise loan with bad credit?While strong personal credit (680+) makes franchise loan approval easier and improves your terms, lower credit scores don't automatically disqualify you. Lenders like Crestmont Capital evaluate your complete financial picture - including liquidity, net worth, business plan, and industry experience. Our bad credit business loan options can help investors with credit challenges access the capital they need.
How many Walk-On's locations are open?As of 2025, Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux has nearly 100 locations across multiple states, with plans to open 20-25 new units annually. The chain was founded in 2003 near LSU's Tiger Stadium and has been one of the fastest-growing full-service restaurant franchises in the country, particularly in the South and Southeast markets.
What is the Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux franchise fee?The initial franchise fee for your first Walk-On's location is $60,000. For additional units under a multi-unit development agreement, fees may be negotiated. This fee grants you the right to operate under the Walk-On's brand, participate in their training program, and receive ongoing support from the corporate team.
What financing does Walk-On's corporate offer?Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux corporate does not directly finance franchisees. However, as an established brand, Walk-On's is well-positioned on the SBA Franchise Directory and has relationships with preferred lenders who specialize in franchise financing. Third-party lenders like Crestmont Capital are your primary source of franchise financing capital.
How much working capital do I need for a Walk-On's franchise?The Walk-On's FDD recommends having $100,000 to $300,000 in working capital reserves beyond your buildout and equipment costs. This covers payroll, food and beverage costs, utilities, marketing, and other operating expenses during the ramp-up period - typically the first 6-12 months of operation when revenue is building but may not yet cover all expenses.
What is the difference between SBA 7(a) and SBA 504 loans for franchises?SBA 7(a) loans are more flexible and can be used for a wider range of purposes including working capital, equipment, and leasehold improvements. SBA 504 loans are specifically designed for fixed assets - primarily real estate and long-term equipment - and offer lower fixed rates on the CDC portion but cannot be used for working capital. For most franchisees who lease rather than own their location, the 7(a) program is more applicable.
Can I use a business line of credit to finance my Walk-On's franchise?A business line of credit is not an ideal primary financing vehicle for a large initial buildout, but it's a critical component of any franchise's ongoing financial infrastructure. You should establish a credit line of $100,000-$500,000 to cover working capital needs, manage cash flow fluctuations, and fund unexpected expenses. Many franchise investors secure their credit line alongside their primary construction loan.
How does equipment financing work for a Walk-On's franchise?Equipment financing allows you to fund your kitchen equipment, bar systems, point-of-sale technology, and audio-visual infrastructure separately from your primary construction or SBA loan. The equipment itself serves as collateral, which reduces personal collateral requirements. Equipment loans typically have terms of 24-84 months and can be approved and funded in as little as 1-5 business days.
Who founded Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux?Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux was founded in 2003 by Brandon Landry and Jack Warner, both former walk-on basketball players at Louisiana State University (LSU). The first location opened near LSU's Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. NFL quarterback Drew Brees became a co-owner of the chain in 2015, bringing national attention and accelerating the brand's expansion trajectory.
What states have Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux locations?Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux has been expanding aggressively beyond its Louisiana roots. Locations currently exist across the South and Southeast United States, including Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, and other states. The brand signed a 20-restaurant development deal covering Georgia and Tennessee in late 2024, signaling continued rapid expansion into new markets.
Your Roadmap to Walk-On's Franchise Financing
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or investment advice. Franchise investment costs, loan terms, and lender requirements are subject to change. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor, attorney, and the franchisor's Franchise Disclosure Document before making any investment decisions. Loan approval is not guaranteed and is subject to lender underwriting standards.