Behind the Build: Inside Walk-On’s Perfect Blend of Function and Flavor

There’s something truly special about winter in New Orleans. While most places are bundling up and counting the seconds until summer, here we’re stepping out into crisp air, savoring bowls of gumbo, and gearing up for the vibrant mix of parades, costume balls, crawfish boils, and late-night revelry that make our town legendary.

But this year, winter in New Orleans isn’t just about beads and king cakes—it’s also about big opportunities for those in town to attend the 2025 Orgill Dealer Market at the Ernest M. Morial Convention Center. This annual event brings together over 20,000 independent hardware retailers, manufacturers, renovation companies, lumber dealers, and farm store owners from across the U.S. and beyond to learn about new products and connect with colleagues old and new.

With our expertise in experiential design and fabrication all across the United States, we’ve helped create our fair share of conferences, trade shows, and fan experiences, so we know the one thing that every conference attendee desperately needs at the end of a long day is a dependable spot to grab a hot meal. Lucky for you, we’ve got just the spot: Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux.

Located at 1009 Poydras Street—in the heart of the CBD and just steps from Caesar’s Superdome—Walk-On’s is a staple for anyone looking to host a casual business lunch, unwind a drink with friends, or simply find tasty Cajun food for dinner within walking distance of New Orleans conference hotels. 

Downtown FabWorks knows all about this space, because we played a key role in bringing it to life! In 2021, when Walk-On’s decided to remodel and expand their 9,000-square-foot New Orleans location, we jumped at the chance to join our friends at Cassesi Commercial Construction on the project.

As a custom fabrication firm specializing in both architectural and scenic fabrication, we understand that every detail tells a story. Walk-On’s was no exception. Here’s a glimpse of what we crafted:

• A striking 40-person bar made of cypress and patinaed steel, designed to anchor the room with warmth and character.

• A custom patinaed steel bar rig, built to blend durability with a sleek, industrial edge.

• Cypress banquet seating and colorful, custom-stained cypress walls that add a touch of New Orleans charm.

• Oak interior windows and bifold doors to create flexible, welcoming spaces.

• Custom steel railings that tie the entire aesthetic together.

Our team handled technical design, custom millwork, custom metalwork, finishing, lighting integration, and installation—and we did it all just in time for Walk-On’s grand reopening for the first Saints game of the season.

At the heart of every project we take on is the belief that spaces are more than just walls and furniture—they’re places where people make memories and feel a sense of connection. Walk-On’s isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a hub for locals, tourists, and event-goers alike. And knowing we had a hand in shaping that experience? That’s what fuels us.

Interested in finding out how Downtown FabWorks can help you create unforgettable experiences for patrons, guests, and clients? We partner with our clients to design and fabricate immersive experiences, themed environments, and more. Visit our website to see how we can bring your vision to life.