The Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux sports bar chain has appointed Luke DeRouen as its first-ever CMO.
DeRouen joined Walk-On’s in June from Inspire Brands, where he served as VP of brand experience and engagement for Buffalo Wild Wings, a key competitor. His new duties will include the development of new beverage offerings, menu testing and consumer engagement.
Simultaneous with the announcement of DeRouen’s appointment, Walk-On’s said it has promoted six executives. The executives getting new business cards are Tony Caballero, now SVP of operations; Bobby Fradella, VP of training; Charlie Kelly, VP of talent acquisition; David Bruno, director of new partner training; Keegan Lanier, director of core training; and Chris Williams, director of brand culture.
The company said the personnel moves will fortify Walk-On’s infrastructure for future expansion. The chain received an infusion of growth capital in October from 10 Point Capital, the private-equity firm run by Scott Pressley, a former partner of Roark Capital. 10 Point has also invested in Tropical Smoothie Café and Slim Chicken.
Roark is the parent of Inspire Brands.
Walk-On’s opened 18 restaurants during 2020, pushing past the 50-unit mark.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a Restaurant Business member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.