Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux on Monday named yet another new CEO, the casual-dining chain’s third chief executive since 2023.
Chris Porcelli, who joined the company less than a year ago as CFO, will now run the Atlanta-based chain.
Chris Dawson, a former executive with automotive services company Driven Brands, who became CEO of Walk-On’s in June 2023, noted on LinkedIn that his tenure with the restaurant chain ended in August.
It is unclear why Dawson left Walk-On’s or what his future plans are.
Porcelli will lead Walk-On’s as the chain introduces a new prototype designed to fuel expansion around the country, the company said.
“We’re entering a pivotal new chapter with our upcoming prototype, and there’s no one better suited to lead us through it than Chris,” Brandon Landry, co-founder and chairman of Walk-On’s, said in a statement. “Since joining Walk-On’s he has brought a dynamic energy and passion, driving franchisee success while strengthening our connections within the communities we serve.”
Walk-On’s, which was founded in 2003, operates about 80 restaurants around the country. The chain saw $336 million in sales in 2023 and ranked at No. 136 on the Top 500 list of the country’s largest restaurant chains, according to Technomic data.
Dawson had replaced Scott Taylor as CEO. Taylor, who spent more than a dozen years with Walk-On’s, became CEO in January 2023. In May, Taylor became CEO of Cherry Bounce Hospitality, the full-service restaurant group created by private-equity firm Hargett Hunter.
Porcelli, for his part, called it “an honor” to assume the helm at Walk-On’s.
“Even before joining the team, I was always impressed by Walk-On’s remarkable growth and success,” Porcelli said. “During my time as CFO, I’ve come to appreciate just how special this brand is.”
Early this year, Walk-On’s announced it would move its corporate headquarters from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to Atlanta. The move follows a significant investment from Atlanta-based 10 Point Capital in the chain in 2020.
“Chris has been integral to Walk-On’s positioning and strategy,” Tom Wells, managing partner at 10 Point Capital, said. “His vision and leadership are exactly what we need to propel the brand forward.”
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