BY HANNAH LESTER
HLESTER@
OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM
OPELIKA —
Walk-On’s of Opelika opened its doors Monday, Feb. 6, to a line of hungry customers.
With the promise of free food to the first 100 guests in line, some arrived as early as 7:30 a.m. to make sure they were a patron of Opelika’s newest restaurant.
Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux is located at 3041 Capps Way, Opelika, near the TigerTown AMC.
Walk-On’s employees were rearing to go — dancing and prepping for new customers with smiles and laughs.
The Opelika Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting with General Manager Noah Kline, Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller, Opelika Council Member Tim Aja, Opelika Fire Chief Shane Boyd and members of his crew, former Lee County Commissioner Richard LaGrand, members of the community and more.
Walk-On’s was founded in 2003 by Brandon Landry and Jack Warner, both former walk-On’s to the Louisiana State University basketball team in 1997.
“We’re so happy to have y’all,” Fuller said during the ribbon cutting. “What a great staff that you have, what a marvelous way this business got started.”
During the ribbon cutting, Walk-On’s presented $5,000 to the BigHouse Foundation — investing in the community.
The first customer in line, Michael Nathan, who arrived at 7:15 — said he was excited to have something new in Opelika.
“It’s something that we don’t have anywhere nearby,” he said. “… I just want some good food.”
Kline said that the support from customers helped energize his staff too on opening day.
“Absolutely amazing — the community support has been incredible out here,” Kline said. “Everything from staffing to just the general care, it’s just been amazing. [I’m] speechless, really.”
Kline said the staff grew more excited as the opening grew closer.
“It’s just a sense of community involvement,” Kline said of the city’s support. “… We want to be a part of the community.” Kline said of the city’s support.
