EDINBURG — The economic development arm of this city is hosting a job fair for a Louisiana-based restaurant chain seeking to hire 160 people.
Walk-On’s Bistreaux and Bar, a Cajun-style franchise co-owned by NFL Quarterback Drew Brees, will soon be opening its first location in the Rio Grande Valley, the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation announced Wednesday.
The eatery was initially slated to open in Mission, but plans there appeared to have stalled. About a year ago, Mission officials announced the franchise was making its way to a location near the Mission Events Center and went as far as saying they had secured an “earnest money contract.”
It’s unclear where those plans are now, as Edinburg boasts the restaurant’s first location south of San Antonio. Mission Economic Development Director Daniel Silva could not be immediately reached for comment Wednesday.
It’s also unclear whether the Edinburg EDC offered the Baton Rouge franchise economic incentives. Calls to the nonprofit’s staff were not returned Wednesday.
The job fair will be held Saturday at the Dustin Michael Sekula Memorial Library, located at 1906 S. Closner Blvd., from noon to 5 p.m.
“This is a new and exciting addition to the city and we look forward to the job opportunities this will create for our local economy,” EEDC board president and council member Jorge Luis Salinas said. “We invite anyone looking for a job to attend the job fair and get more information about the various available positions that Walk-On’s is hiring for.”
Those positions are for cooks, dishwashers, bartenders and hostesses. Representatives from the chain will be on hand at the job fair, conducting interviews and answering any questions applicants may have. Those interested are encouraged to dress appropriately and carry a copy of an updated resume.
“We are thrilled to be the first city in the Rio Grande Valley to welcome Walk-On’s,” Edinburg Mayor Richard Molina said during a groundbreaking ceremony in August. “Now, as the restaurant prepares to open its doors, we are excited at the many new job opportunities that will be available to our local workforce.”
