Duck Dynasty: Everything That Happened With Willie's Duck Diner (& Where Willie Robertson Is Now)

Willie’s Duck Diner in Louisiana was Willie Robertson’s other money-making venture during A&E’s Duck Dynasty. Willie was one of the main cast members on Duck Dynasty and the third son of the dynastic Robertson family. With a business degree from Northeast Louisiana University, Willie became CEO of the family-operated Duck Commander business and is arguably most responsible for turning the company from a small shop into a multimillion-dollar bonanza.

Like all the male family members in Duck Dynasty, Willie sports a long beard, though his is much bushier than everyone else’s, making him a standout figure on the reality show. The series premiered in 2012 and lasted for 11 seasons before ending in 2017. Duck Dynasty was about the company on the surface, but it really centered on the bandana-wearing, duck-shooting, controversy-courting Robertson family. The family’s new fame and wealth made for interesting content outside the show too, as they all capitalized on their name for a variety of ventures, especially Willie Robertson.

Willie’s Duck Diner Closed In 2019

The Duck-Themed Louisiana Restaurant Opened In 2013

In 2013, Willie opened his own restaurant “Willie’s Duck Diner” in West Monroe, Louisiana, and of course, duck was a big menu item (via Eater). The restaurant served duck gumbo and fried duck strips, as well as classic restaurant comfort foods like meatloaf and chicken-fried steak. However, Willie and his wife Korie had to close the business in 2019, and it has not since reopened. On Yelp, the location is marked permanently closed, with a final review score of 2.8 out of 5 stars. It’s unknown why Willie’s Duck Diner closed.

Willie Robertson & His Family Survived A Drive-By Shooting In 2020

The Assailant Was Arrested And Then Sued The Robertsons

Willie and his family have had to face more hardships than their restaurant closing after Duck Dynasty. On April 24, 2020, Willie’s family was the victim of a drive-by shooting (via News Star). That evening, 8-10 bullets struck Willie’s estate in West Monroe, Louisiana. While Willie wasn’tt at the time, one bullet went through a window into the bedroom shared by Willie’s son John Luke Robertson lived with his wife, Mary Kate McEachern, and their infant child. Thankfully, no one was hurt.

Two days later, the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of Daniel King Jr., 38, of West Monroe. He claimed he had been drinking and wanted to test out a new gun. Oddly, King went on to sue Willie’s family for defamation (via TMZ), saying that the Robertsons’ statements to police after his arrest were, “calculated, false and ultimately defamatory.” However, at the time of his arrest, King confessed to the shooting and there’s still a criminal case open against him. THus, it’s unclear why exactly King has presented this lawsuit.

Willie Robertson Remains CEO Of Duck Commander & Wrote A Book On Religion

Willie Also Appeared On Season 6 Of The Masked Singer

Willie became CEO of Duck Commander in his 30s, finally realizing just what his father was trying to build (via Sioux Falls). The company, which he is the chief executive operator of, sells paraphernalia related to duck hunting, Duck Dynasty, and their signature duck calls, along with a line of other animal calls for hunting (via Duck Commander). Besides duck-related business, Willie also competed in season 6 of The Masked Singer under the name “Mallard”. Wearing a swanky duck costume with a top hat, Willie went far and was eliminated in Week 8.

Willie Robertson released a book in May 2024, Gospeler: Turning Darkness into Light One Conversation at a Time. This book tracks Willie’s journey to find his faith. He often posts about the book on his Instagram along with plenty of pictures of his Duck Dynasty friends and family.