Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux Coming to Towne Lake in Cypress, Replacing Sam’s Boat with $1.5M Renovation
A new name is going up where Sam’s Boat once stood in Towne Lake, and with it comes a fresh game-day vibe, Louisiana-inspired cooking, and a mission rooted in community and sportsmanship.
Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux is set to open its doors in Towne Lake at 9955 Barker Cypress Road, Suite 100, taking over the prominent waterfront location previously occupied by Sam’s Boat. The new restaurant concept will begin a $1.5 million renovation of the space this November, with construction slated to wrap by the end of March 2026, according to public filings with Harris County.
A Quiet Goodbye, and a Fresh Start
The announcement comes just weeks after Sam’s Boat abruptly and quietly closed in July—without public notice or formal statements. Local residents quickly noticed the shuttered patio and dark windows, with many reflecting on the restaurant’s decline in recent months. Reviews posted online by patrons cited unsatisfactory service, a decline in food quality, and limited menu availability, signaling trouble behind the scenes before the closure.
For longtime guests of the Towne Lake location, the exit of Sam’s Boat was met with both disappointment and curiosity. But the entry of Walk-On’s promises a dynamic reboot for this prime lakeside space.
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Walk-On’s: From Underdog Beginnings to National Recognition
Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux began not as a corporate blueprint, but as a dream scribbled on the back of a napkin by Brandon Landry and Jack Warner, two walk-on basketball players at LSU in 1997. Inspired by their travels with the team and a shared love for food and hospitality, the duo launched their first location just outside LSU’s Tiger Stadium in 2003.
Built on the principles of perseverance, inclusivity, and community, Walk-On’s grew steadily across the South—earning industry recognition, including ESPN’s #1 Sports Bar in America in 2012. In 2015, the brand gained even more momentum when NFL All-Pro quarterback Drew Brees joined as co-owner, bringing national attention and expanding the brand’s reach through franchising.
Today, Walk-On’s boasts over 100 locations open or in development across 12 states, with plans to continue expanding nationwide. In the Greater Houston area alone, the concept already has locations in Katy, Spring, The Woodlands, Baytown, and Pearland, each combining bold Louisiana flavors with the energy of a local sports bar.
What Walk-On’s Brings to Cypress
Walk-On’s is known for its from-scratch kitchen, family-friendly atmosphere, and wall-to-wall TVs, making it a popular spot for sports fans, families, and large groups. The menu is deeply rooted in Southern and Cajun cuisine, offering:
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Starters: Fried alligator, boom boom shrimp, waffle cheese fries, boudin balls, bacon-wrapped shrimp, mozzarella logs, sliders
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Cajun Classics & Seafood: Crawfish étouffée, chicken & sausage gumbo, red beans & rice, shrimp & grits, blackened fish, fried catfish & shrimp combos, crawfish pasta
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Signature Entrées: Cajun ribeye, blackened chicken alfredo, lemon butter chicken, Cajundillas (stuffed quesadillas), chicken tenders
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Burgers, Tacos & Wraps: The Hangover burger (with fried egg), Jalapeño Jack, BBQ bacon burger, boom boom shrimp tacos, turkey wraps, buffalo chicken wraps
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Salads & Sandwiches: Cypress Cobb, Zydeco shrimp salad, warm turkey melt, seafood po’boys, grilled chicken avocado
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Sides & Desserts: Hush puppies, sweet potato fries, onion rings, broccoli, beignet bites, Krispy Kreme bread pudding
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Kids’ Meals: Scaled-down favorites like cheeseburgers, pasta, grilled cheese, shrimp, and quesadillas (served with waffle fries)
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Drinks: Signature cocktails (like the 32-oz. Death Valley), Voodoo margaritas, moonshine swirls, plus craft beer, wine, seltzers, and non-alcoholic options
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More Than Just a Sports Bar
Walk-On’s brings more than big screens and bold flavors—it carries a mission rooted in community, perseverance, and inclusivity. The concept was built around the underdog mentality of its founders, who turned their experience as walk-on college athletes into a full-service restaurant brand that values grit, teamwork, and local connection.
In 2019, Walk-On’s launched the Game On Foundation, a nonprofit organization aimed at improving youth sports across the country by rebuilding or refurbishing athletic facilities and providing equipment to underserved programs. This community-first approach remains at the heart of the company’s identity as it expands into new markets like Cypress.
With a strong focus on hospitality, Southern-inspired food, and a welcoming environment for all ages, Walk-On’s aims to offer something for everyone—whether you're gathering with friends for a game, dining with family, or celebrating a local win.
Anticipation Builds in Cypress
As construction crews prepare to revamp the lakeside building this fall, local residents are already buzzing about the restaurant’s arrival. The combination of Cajun comfort food, local sports culture, and a lively patio could make Walk-On’s a welcome addition to the Towne Lake lineup—especially for families and fans looking for a reliable place to gather year-round.
Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for updates on grand opening dates, hiring announcements, and progress on the renovation throughout the coming months.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
