New west-side sports bar — a year and a half in the making — is finally ready to open
If you’re shopping at NewMarket Square any time over the next several days, you’ll likely notice big crowds at the long-anticipated Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux, a flashy new sports bar that has taken over the old Granite City space at 2661 N. Maize Road.
As of Thursday, the restaurant has started its invite-only soft opening, where its large new staff is getting practice for opening day: Monday, Aug. 15.
But some locals are getting an early taste of the menu, which features salads, sandwiches, burgers and several seafood dishes. Some of the items from the large menu have a Cajun flair: the Walk-Ons chain was founded in 2003 by Brandon Landry and Jack Warner, who met when both were walk-on basketball players at Louisiana State University. The local franchisee if former Kansas State football star Jamie Rheem and his 3Pointe Restaurant Group
Over lunch on Thursday, I got a sneak peek at the restaurant — along with half of the Wichita Police Department and several fire fighters. The restaurant invited all local first responders to be part of its soft opening practice run.
The layout of the restaurant isn’t much different from Granite City days, and Walk-Ons features a large rectangular bar right at the entrance. There’s seating for nearly 300 people inside the massive dining room, which has multiple television screens mounted throughout and playing sporting events.
The Walk-Ons team has expanded the former Granite City patio, which wraps around the building and now has seating for about 150. It’s covered with a slatted roof that can be left open to let in sunshine or closed to keep out rain.
Soft opening visitors were invited to share an appetizer and each order an entree. My daughter and I shared the Tuna Tini, which featured slices of seared ahi tuna circling a mound of Asian slaw that was topped with mango salsa and avocado. She’s a light eater and was tempted by the more decadent appetizer choices, including boom boom shrimp and mozzarella logs (not sticks, mind you, but logs.) But we took the healthier route.
She chose the chicken avocado club for her entree, and it was a big sandwich featuring double-stacked chicken breast, bacon, avocado and lots of melty cheese all served on a wheat bun. I took the server’s suggestion and tried the ribeye po’ boy, a melty, juicy concoction that featured sliced blackened steak, caramelized onions and Swiss cheese on a soft bun. We both got the sweet potato fries as our side, though other side options included corn grits, onion rings, hush puppies, street corn and more.
The lengthy menu also offers tacos filled with shrimp, fish, tuna or pork plus wraps and several Cajun seafood dishes made with catfish, shrimp, redfish, crawfish and more. There’s also a big drink menu offering signature cocktails, wine and beer. You can see the menu at walk-ons.com/food
Starting Monday, the restaurant’s hours will be 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 11 a.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays.
Those who visit on Monday can attend an official ribbon cutting at 10 a.m., and the first 100 people in line will have a chance to win free Walk-On’s for a year. A winner will be chosen at random and announced on Monday.
For more information, visit walk-ons.com
