Drew Brees-backed sports bar chain plans to open restaurants in Boise, Meridian, Nampa

If you’re a sports restaurant brand hoping to expand, it helps to attract a celebrity investor.

And if you’re headquartered in Louisiana?

Signing Drew Brees is a score.

Bringing Cajun flavors and NFL star power, Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux plans to run a go route in the Treasure Valley. The Brees-backed, Baton Rouge-based chain has inked a franchise agreement to open three restaurants in Boise, Meridian or Nampa, according to a media release. But the third location might wind up in Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Twin Falls or Coeur d’Alene, it says.

The Boise area already is home to several food-and-drink sports hangouts, ranging from locals (Giggy D’s, Legends) to chains (Buffalo Wild Wings, Twin Peaks).

Beyond having a retired pro quarterback as co-owner, what makes Walk-On’s stand out?

Quite possibly, the food. On a sports-bar level, at least.

“What sets us apart from all others,” Walk-On’s proclaims, “... is our authentic, mouthwatering Louisiana cuisine prepared fresh in a from-scratch kitchen. That includes seafood, traditional Cajun cuisine and burgers built for two hands.”

Most Boise menus don’t offer boudin balls, crawfish, fried catfish, and duck and andouille gumbo. Some Walk-On’s restaurants even serve alligator. House specialties “include the tasty Cajun Quesadillas, better known as ‘Cajundillas,’ Lemon Butter Chicken, Pasta Alfredeaux, Tuscan Chicken, Cajun Ribeye, and Uncle B’s Chicken Tenders,” according to the media release.

The Walk-On’s name draws inspiration from co-founder Brandon Landry’s background. After playing basketball at LSU, he opened the first one in 2003 on the university’s campus with another former walk-on.

After joining the New Orleans Saints in 2006, Brees became a Walk-On’s fan. The MVP of Super Bowl XLIV “often reflects on his first visit,” according to Walk-On’s website, “saying that he instantly knew if he were to ever open a restaurant, it would be just like Walk-On’s. Becoming an owner in 2015 was an exciting moment for Drew, and one that he looks at as joining another winning team.”

Nowadays, Walk-On’s is one of the nation’s “fastest-growing restaurant chains,” according to the release, “adding 20 new locations to its footprint in the last year.” Walk-On’s currently has 75 restaurants in 13 states, it says — with more on the way in places like Idaho.

When will the Boise area get its first taste of the action? The publicist for Walk-On’s did not have that information.

But cold beers, Cajun cooking and sports on TV? That feels like a potential touchdown in Idaho.

As the marketing hype proclaims: “Walk-On’s delivers a game-day experience in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere that ensures every guest is a winner.”