Brees draws big crowd at Shreveport Walk-On's, surprises special needs child

SHREVEPORT, LA (KSLA) - New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees drew a big crowd Shreveport Monday afternoon, visiting one of the 4 Walk-On's Bistreaux & Bar locations he and his wife co-own in Louisiana.

Brees, who is in town for a speaking engagement, visited with customers and employees and signed autographs at the Youree Dr. restaurant for about about 30 minutes before taking questions from the media about the upcoming season and ongoing contract extension negotiations with the Saints. A year remains on Brees' current contract.

"I feel fine about it."  Brees said. "I know it will happen in due time. I'm really not worried about it one bit at this point."

Brees also set aside time to give an emotional surprise for 10-year-old Hunter Glass from Shreveport.  Brees greeted Glass and even give him an autograph. Brees told Glass he heard he was there and was a really special kid and wanted to meet him. Glass was so starstruck that he broke down in tears. Glass has cerebral palsy and was born 12-weeks premature. It was his wish to meet his football hero and The Pay It Forward Networking organization helped make the whole thing possible.

Drew and his wife, Brittany, bought into Walk-On's Enterprises last May as co-owners. Drew pointed out that Walk-On's is "a great place to bring my family, teammates and business colleagues" and that they were excited to help "expand the brand across the nation."

Since that time, Walk-On's has opened four new locations in Louisiana, including in Shreveport.

The Baton Rouge-based chain now has eight locations in Louisiana – two in Baton Rouge and one each in New Orleans, Lafayette, Houma, Shreveport, Lake Charles and Denham Springs.

Other locations are under construction in Covington and Alexandria, as well as Lubbock and Tyler, Texas. A new area development agreement was recently announced for Houston, and several additional markets across the Southern United States are likewise on the drawing board.

The Shreveport Walk-On's is located at 7031 Youree Dr.

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