Wings Etc. Inc.

Chicken rules the roost with consumers! Chicken is currently the fastest-growing ingredient on chain menus according to an article in Restaurant Business. Sauces, another of our specialties, are also gaining in popularity, coming in as the second fastest-growing menu item. This means Wings Etc. is perfectly positioned to give our customers exactly what they’re hungry for. https://heyor.ca/xFiDq4

Let’s talk wingspan! Since we first opened in 1994, we’ve added locations up and down the United States. So far the farthest location from the original in Mishawaka, Indiana is in Palm Harbor, Florida — a 1,147 mile drive. Just goes to show you that people near and far love Good Food. Great Times!

Our beverage committee recently traveled to Dallas, Texas, to meet with the fantastic team at Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits . As experts in the industry, they shared invaluable insights on menu innovation and the latest drink trends. We’re excited to bring these ideas back to Wings Etc., serving up drinks that keep the good times flowing. A huge thank you to the Southern Glazers team for their hospitality and valuable insights!

Time sure flies when you’re having fun. It seems like we just started, but a lot has happened in 30 years! What began as a single store has grown to a successful operation with more than 81 locations across 13 states. We owe a lot of our success to our philosophy of Good Food, Great Times! Thanks to everyone who joined us on this journey…it feels like we’re just getting started!

We’re moving on up! We’re ranked at 311 on Franchise Times’ yearly Top 400®report, an exclusive annual ranking of the largest U.S.-based franchise systems by global franchise sales. We’re up from 316 in 2023, marking another year of accelerating systemwide sales. Our franchise approach prioritizes competitive startup costs and a structure that seeks to streamline the journey to profitability. For more information about franchise opportunities, visit wingsetcfranchise.com.

Meet Jim Weaver, our founder and the man who started it all! 30 years ago, Jim wanted to create a family-friendly sports bar that offered big-screens, great (yet simple) food, friendly service and lots of cold beverages. Over the years, he’s seen his vision succeed and also grow into so much more than even he imagined. One of his favorite parts of the company is the culture of giving back, which is rooted in our core value of “We have the responsibility to make a difference.” This philosophy has simply become a part of who we are, which is shown in the creation of the Wing Etc. Foundation in 2023. As for advice for new team members, Jim likes to keep things simple, saying, “Have fun and work hard. If you do, we’ll show you a career path.”

Our customers love the Big Flavor of our menu items, but our commitment to Big Flavor goes beyond food. The idea of Big Flavor extends to everything we do, from the fun atmosphere in our stores, to going the extra mile for customers and supporting franchisees, we always believe in going BIG!

We’re not only celebrating 30 years in business, we’re also celebrating 30 years of being atop the Best Wings category in the annual South Bend Community’s Choice Awards. Founder Jim Weaver and his wife Fran celebrated at an event honoring the winners. He attributes the “Best Wings” honor to the Big Flavor of our ever-evolving menu. While we have expanded to 81 locations, we maintain nine locations in the Michiana area, including the original location in Mishawaka which will always be home for Jim. Thanks to the South Bend Tribune and everyone who made this honor possible!

Kyler Davis, director of marketing, and Katie Burnworth, vice president of marketing, traveled to Chicago for the Ad Age Business of Brands event! The two-day event focused on marketing strategies that drive loyalty and grow business, and featured marketing experts and leaders from some of the world’s most recognized brands.

We know that once people try our Big Flavor, they’re hooked—all we have to do is let the food speak for itself. What better place to get the word out than radio stations? We recently visited WBYT B100 in Mishawaka, IN, home of the original Wings Etc., and let them sample our latest LTO, the Kickin’ Chipotle Chicken Sandwich. Of course it was a big hit! Thanks to WBYT and all the other radio stations we’ve been visiting lately for the rave reviews!