Drew Brees’ sports bar, Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux, coming to Midtown Tampa

If Tom Brady found success in Tampa, maybe Drew Brees can do the same.

The recently retired quarterback’s chain of Louisiana-inspired sports bar and grills, Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux, is joining the restaurant lineup for mega-development Midtown Tampa.

The development posted the news on social media Thursday, and Walk-On’s logo is featured on Midtown’s website alongside previously announced brands like Whole Foods, Shake Shack and REI. After initially saying the news was posted prematurely, a Midtown spokeswoman confirmed Friday that Walk-On’s was indeed coming.

Steve Strigler, the chief financial officer of Florida Walk-On’s franchisee Walking Tall Brands declined to confirm that the Midtown location was a done deal.

“I will say we are exploring multiple sites in the Tampa market to bring the Walk On’s experience and delicious food to as many customers as possible,” he said in an email.

Walk-On’s menu features traditional pub grub like burgers, tacos and cocktails, as well as plenty of food with a Cajun twist, including po-boys, shrimp and grits and boudin balls.

The restaurant chain was started in 2003 by former LSU basketball player Brandon Landry, expanding across Louisiana until Brees came aboard as a partner in 2015. Since then, the brand has grown exponentially, opening franchise locations in nine states, including Florida. There’s one near the Tampa Premium Outlets in Lutz and another under construction in Lakeland.

In late 2019, Walking Tall announced plans to open six locations throughout Tampa Bay within five years. Walking Tall CEO Mike Lester is a former executive at the Melting Pot.

Walk-On’s has announced plans to expand rapidly in 2021, opening 25 new locations this year, including its 50th nationwide, with another 150 in development.

No timeline for the potential announcement or opening of the Midtown location has been announced.