DeRouen will oversee all marketing functions involving the brand.
Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux, a casual dining franchise with over 50 locations throughout the U.S., has announced the appointment of Luke DeRouen as the brand’s first-ever chief marketing officer.
In this role, DeRouen will oversee all marketing functions involved with the brand, including beverage innovation, new menu testing, and consumer engagement.
“We are so excited to welcome Luke DeRouen as Walk-On’s first chief marketing officer,” said Brandon Landry, CEO, co-founder, and owner of Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux. “His wealth of knowledge and outstanding industry experience aligns with our Walk-On’s Way mentality. We’re confident that Luke will be a tremendous asset for our company.”
In addition, Walk-On’s has promoted six in-house executives, inclusive of Tony Caballero, senior vice president of operations; Bobby Fradella, vice president of training; Charlie Kelly, vice president of talent acquisition; David Bruno, director of new partner training; Keegan Lanier, director of core training; and Chris Williams, director of brand culture.
“Tony, Bobby, Charlie, David, Keegan, and Chris have all displayed tremendous leadership during their time at Walk-On’s, and their collective knowledge brings value to our brand and our franchise partners,” said Scott Taylor, president and COO of Walk-On’s. “Our purpose is to bring people together. Our vision is to be more than a restaurant inspiring a lifestyle that celebrates the underdog in all of us. These leaders exemplify this every day with our team through their extraordinary performance.”
These hires and appointments come on the heels of Walk-On’s 50th restaurant opening, including its 18 new openings during the pandemic.
“I’m ecstatic to return to my Louisiana roots and join the Walk-On’s team,” said Luke DeRouen. “With a unique, quality-first menu, connection to sports and most of all the people and culture in place, we have an incredible story to tell and a massive opportunity to continue building this brand so consumers across the country can experience what sets Walk-On’s apart. I look forward to helping the brand continue to reach new levels.”
