Editor's note: This story has been updated to include the restaurant's Jan. 21, 2019 opening in Irving/Las Colinas.
Irving used to be the home of the Dallas Cowboys, but now a quarterback from another National Football League team is leaving his stamp on the suburb.
Walk-On's Bistreaux and Bar, a franchise that hails from Baton Rouge, La., opened its first North Texas location at 3165 Regent Blvd. in Las Colinas, coincidentally between Valley Ranch and where the original Cowboys Stadium once stood.
The restaurant made its debut on Jan. 21.
Walk-On's is co-owned by New Orleans Saints quarterback, Super Bowl champ and 10-time Pro Bowl player Drew Brees, who bought a stake in the business in 2015. Though he's never been a Dallas Cowboy, Brees is a native Texan, having grown up in Austin.
"Texas has been a priority expansion market ever since we started franchising," said Brandon Landry, one of the founders, in a statement first announcing the business. He and partner Jack Warner opened their first Walk-On's on 2003 and named it after their own journey as walk-on players to the Louisiana State University basketball team.
The Irving location inhabits an 8,500-square-foot space and serves the same Cajun-infused sport bar menu featured at Walk-On's 24 other locations. Think hush puppies, gumbo, alligator, shrimp dishes and fusion dishes like a Cajundillas, which come stuffed with chicken, andouille sausage, boudin, onions and cheese with a side of red beans and rice.
The restaurant, which is owned by franchisees Joshua Allen and Johnny Qubty, broke ground on March 2018. A second location is expected to open in South Arlington in April.
