Dabo Swinney bringing new restaurant to Clemson as franchisee

CLEMSON — Dabo Swinney started his college football journey as a walk-on at Alabama. Now Swinney is bringing a Walk-On’s to Clemson.

Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux — a restaurant and sports bar with a Louisiana-inspired menu — announced Friday morning that Swinney has joined the brand as a franchisee.

Swinney is teaming up with Pavilion Development Company and current franchisee Carolina Eats to open 15 new locations in the Carolinas.

Two of those locations are already under construction in Clemson and Myrtle Beach.

“Being part of a great sports experience such as Walk-On’s was a no brainer for me as I believe in their core values and their connection to the community,” Swinney said in a statement. “Brandon Landry and the story behind Walk-On’s is something I resonate with as a former walk-on wide receiver. I am excited to join the Walk-On’s team and help bring that Louisiana flavor and hospitality to more markets across the Carolinas.”

As a franchisee, Swinney is expected to play a big role in the opening of the new Walk-On’s location in Clemson, helping Walk-On’s establish a presence in the Clemson community. There will also be a menu item exclusive to the location named in his honor. 

Each location has a different menu, but you can view an example of what the Clemson location’s menu might look like here.

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Former Clemson running back Travis Etienne is also being brought on as an additional partner in some markets that are being added.

Brandon Landry, who is the founder, co-owner and CEO of Walk-On’s, was a walk-on basketball player at LSU during his college days.

While in college, he came up with the idea for Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar. The first Walk-On’s opened in 2003 near LSU’s Tiger Stadium.

There are currently more than 50 Walk-On’s nationwide, with others coming soon.

Swinney has been coaching at Clemson since 2003, first as a receivers coach, then as the interim head coach and finally as the head coach of the Tigers.

He took over as the interim head coach at Clemson midway through the 2008 season and has led Clemson to seven ACC championships and a pair of national titles.

Swinney and the Tigers are currently going through spring practice. They will open the 2022 season on Monday, Sept. 5 at Georgia Tech.