Nashville, TN – Country music sensation Cole Swindell, a four-time Academy of Country Music Award winner, is joining forces with seasoned hotel franchisee Jamie Daniel and the burgeoning sports bar chain Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux to debut a distinctive, music-infused dining and entertainment venue in the heart of downtown Nashville. The establishment, set to be christened "Cole Swindell’s Walk-On’s," is slated for a 2027 opening on the iconic Broadway strip, a destination synonymous with live music and tourism. This ambitious project promises a multi-level experience, featuring a main-level restaurant and sports bar complemented by a more intimate, subterranean venue designed to capture the city’s vibrant musical spirit.
A Vision for a Harmonious Blend of Sports, Music, and Hospitality
The concept behind Cole Swindell’s Walk-On’s is rooted in Swindell’s personal passions: country music and sports. "The bottom level is going to be kind of my area," Swindell stated, elaborating on his vision for a more exclusive space. While specifics are still being finalized, Swindell envisions a "speakeasy kind of thing with my own little private room in the back – maybe a golf simulator – just a cool place." This private area is intended to be a personal retreat and a space for creative endeavors, as Swindell noted his desire to "write songs on my level downstairs."
The dual-level design anticipates robust musical programming on both floors, a natural fit for Nashville’s legendary music scene. "It’s Nashville," Swindell emphasized, underscoring the inherent expectation for live performances. He further indicated his intention to regularly perform at the venue, alongside fellow musicians and friends, adding a personal touch and drawing power to the establishment.
Strategic Partnership and Operational Expertise
While Cole Swindell will serve as the prominent face and creative force behind the Nashville location, the operational reins will be held by Jamie Daniel. Daniel, a significant figure in the hospitality industry, brings extensive experience as a franchisee of numerous Marriott properties. This partnership leverages Swindell’s star power and connection to the music world with Daniel’s proven track record in managing large-scale hospitality operations.
The genesis of this collaboration can be traced back to 2023, when Swindell met Walk-On’s founder, Brandon Landry, at the chain’s 20th-anniversary celebration in Nashville. "I just got to hang with him that night and we have kind of kept in touch over the years," Swindell recalled, highlighting the organic development of their relationship. This meeting laid the groundwork for the eventual joint venture.
Walk-On’s, known for its sports-centric dining experience, has a history of attracting high-profile franchisees. Notable figures like former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, who also holds a stake in the parent company, and former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott have previously aligned with the brand. However, Swindell clarified that his involvement in the Nashville venture will be primarily as a brand ambassador and creative partner, rather than a direct financial investor. "I’m happy that my name is part of it, and I’m going to be as involved as they want me to be, whether it’s playing music or creating the special experience that we want to do," he commented.
Walk-On’s: A Foundation of Sports and Community
The Walk-On’s brand itself is deeply intertwined with a commitment to youth sports and community development, a mission that resonates with Swindell. The company’s primary charitable arm, the Game On Foundation, focuses on building and improving sports facilities for young athletes. This philanthropic aspect is a significant draw for Swindell, who expressed interest in participating in the foundation’s initiatives.
The origins of Walk-On’s are rooted in the collegiate athletic experience of its founders, Brandon Landry and Jack Warner. Both were walk-on athletes for Louisiana State University’s basketball team, a journey that inspired the chain’s name and its dedication to supporting aspiring young athletes. The first Walk-On’s location opened near the LSU campus in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, establishing a strong connection to college sports culture.
Expansion and Strategic Development: A New Prototype Emerges
The forthcoming Nashville establishment is situated above the Moxy Hotel, which is owned and operated by Daniel’s company, adding a synergistic element to the project. "They reached out to us a few years back and thought our concept would be great for their property," Landry stated, emphasizing the mutual benefit of the collaboration. "It all came together with our relationship with Cole, and we’re really excited to have the three groups together to go into this venture."
Beyond the Nashville flagship, Daniel’s group has ambitious plans for further expansion, with additional Walk-On’s restaurants anticipated in cities such as Lexington, Kentucky, and Clarksville, Tennessee. Landry indicated that the Lexington location might even precede the Nashville opening due to a more streamlined development process.
Walk-On’s is currently experiencing a significant growth trajectory. The company projects opening over 10 new restaurants within the current year, with the first new opening of 2026 in Dothan, Alabama. This expansion builds upon an existing network of 80 locations, approximately 90% of which are franchised.
In response to evolving market dynamics and operational efficiencies, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Walk-On’s has been actively developing and implementing new restaurant prototypes with smaller footprints. Landry explained the strategic rationale: "During COVID, when sometimes we were only allowed 50% capacity, we were still doing big volumes, and we started to wonder if we needed these big restaurants."
Traditionally, Walk-On’s locations have ranged from 7,000 to 8,000 square feet. However, current construction projects are focusing on spaces around 5,500 square feet. Furthermore, the company has introduced an even more compact concept, internally dubbed the "half court." The first "half court" location, opened in Atlanta, measures approximately 3,700 square feet, with another under construction at around 3,400 to 3,500 square feet, featuring an outdoor patio. These smaller formats accommodate 120-140 guests and offer a condensed menu of about 40 items, compared to the standard 65.
The impetus for these smaller prototypes is also driven by rising real estate and construction costs. "Site costs and construction costs have just skyrocketed, and we said, ‘How about we downsize a little bit to make it more attractive to franchisees?’" Landry elaborated. To ensure the viability and operational success of these "half court" models, Walk-On’s plans to operate one or two of them directly before expanding franchise opportunities.
The Cole Swindell’s Walk-On’s in Nashville is projected to be approximately 7,500 square feet, aligning with a mid-range size that allows for a comprehensive dining and entertainment experience while benefiting from the brand’s ongoing evolution in unit design.
Landry expressed his enthusiasm for Swindell’s involvement, stating, "A guy that’s got over a dozen number-one hits, we feel blessed to be able to call him a partner and have him be a part of our brand." This sentiment underscores the strategic value of Swindell’s brand association, promising to elevate the profile of the new Nashville venue and potentially draw new customer segments to the Walk-On’s brand.
The synergy between a leading country music artist, a seasoned hospitality operator, and an established restaurant chain poised for further expansion suggests a promising future for Cole Swindell’s Walk-On’s. The venture aims to capitalize on Nashville’s unique cultural landscape, offering a dynamic entertainment and dining destination that caters to both locals and the city’s substantial tourist influx. The project’s success will likely hinge on its ability to authentically integrate the music experience with the established Walk-On’s brand identity, creating a memorable and compelling offering in a highly competitive market.