Walk

Ware, whose past experience includes Carvel, Cinnabon and Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt, will help the brand drive expansion as it nears its 100-unit mark.

Name: Kendall Ware

New title: Chief operating officer, Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux

Previous title: Chief operating officer, In-Shape Health Clubs

Ware joins the Walk-On’s team roughly 30 days after Chris Dawson became CEO of the sports bar brand. He brings decades of restaurant and franchising experience to the role, including stints as president and CEO of several well-known brands. In his new position, he will oversee all operational aspects of the brand and drive expansion.

“His strategic vision and strong leadership will play a pivotal role in enhancing the brand's national presence,” the company said in the press release.

What’s on Ware’s plate: Among Ware’s biggest challenges is ensuring the expanding chain maintains a high-level of customer service across both company-owned and franchised units. Walk-On’s, which currently has over 70 units open, has a pipeline of over 100 locations. The chain’s goal is to open 20 to 25 U.S. restaurants per year, and it expects to open its 100th location in the first quarter of 2024. 10 Points Capital Managing Director Scott Pressly previously said Walk-On’s will be a 500-unit brand in the future. The chain also developed a smaller 6,000-square-foot model, called Wildcat, that has 200 seats compared to its typical 8,000-square-foot design.