Detroit Wing Company Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2026)

Detroit Wing Company specializes in serving high-quality chicken wings with a variety of unique and flavorful sauces, providing customers with a delicious and satisfying dining experience.

KEY FRANCHISE STATS

Franchisees

233%

Franchise fee

$30,000

Investment

$506,000 - $662,000

Revenue (AUV)

$1,662,000

n.a.

Detroit Wing Company, founded in 2015 in Eastpointe, Michigan, is a fast-growing franchise that specializes in chicken wings and a variety of signature sauces. The company was established by Gus Malliaras with a focus on delivering high-quality, chef-driven sauces and fresh ingredients, setting it apart in an industry often dominated by ready-to-serve foods and bottled sauces.

Detroit Wing Company prides itself on offering over 20 unique sauces made from scratch, as well as a range of delicious sides, all crafted with a commitment to freshness and flavor.

Headquartered in Michigan, Detroit Wing Company began franchising shortly after its inception, expanding rapidly due to its streamlined operations and commitment to quality.

What sets Detroit Wing Company apart from its competitors is its focus on simplicity and quality. The franchise operates with a smaller team compared to other quick-service restaurant (QSR) concepts, which helps maintain high standards while reducing operational complexity.

Initial investment

The initial investment required for a Detroit Wing Company franchise is $506,000 - $662,000. That is the total cost you would need to finance if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Type of Expenditure	Amount
Initial Franchise Fee	$30,000
Training Expenses	$3,200 to $15,000
Real Estate/Rent	$10,000 to $20,000
Lease Review	$0 to $2,500
Utility Deposits	$1,000 to $3,000
Real Estate/Building Improvements	$215,000 to $275,000
Furniture and Fixtures	$2,000 to $5,000
Equipment	$156,500 to $165,000
Insurance	$3,000 to $5,000
Signage	$10,000 to $20,000
Professional Fees	$12,000 to $15,000
Permits	$4,000 to $5,000
Point of Sale System	$2,500 to $3,500
Inventory Management Software	$402 to $1,404
Low Voltage Package	$9,500 to $12,000
Music	$155 to $200
Restaurant Management Software & Tablet	$1,500
Restaurant Operations Software	$197
Branded Promotional Materials, and Uniforms	$3,000 to $3,500
Inventory and Supplies	$16,500 to $18,500
Grand Opening Advertising	$0 to $10,000
System Performance Review Program	$382
Technology Fee	$600
Additional Funds	$25,000 to $50,000
Total	$506,436 to $662,283

Type of Expenditure	Amount
Initial Franchise Fee	$30,000
Training Expenses	$3,200 to $15,000
Real Estate/Rent	$10,000 to $20,000
Lease Review	$0 to $2,500
Utility Deposits	$1,000 to $3,000
Real Estate/Building Improvements	$215,000 to $275,000
Furniture and Fixtures	$2,000 to $5,000
Equipment	$156,500 to $165,000
Insurance	$3,000 to $5,000
Signage	$10,000 to $20,000
Professional Fees	$12,000 to $15,000
Permits	$4,000 to $5,000
Point of Sale System	$2,500 to $3,500
Inventory Management Software	$402 to $1,404
Low Voltage Package	$9,500 to $12,000
Music	$155 to $200
Restaurant Management Software & Tablet	$1,500
Restaurant Operations Software	$197
Branded Promotional Materials, and Uniforms	$3,000 to $3,500
Inventory and Supplies	$16,500 to $18,500
Grand Opening Advertising	$0 to $10,000
System Performance Review Program	$382
Technology Fee	$600
Additional Funds	$25,000 to $50,000
Total	$506,436 to $662,283

Franchise Disclosure Document

Below is Detroit Wing Company's 2023 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.

Number of units

Detroit Wing Company had 11 total units in 2023, of which 10 were franchised-owned and 1 company-owned.

Frequently Asked Questions

Competitors

Below are some of

Detroit Wing Company

key competitors in the

Chicken

sector.

Franchise

Upgrade

New

233%

6.00%

$506,000

$662,000

$1,662,000

n.a.

Chicken Guy!

Over $500K

New

n.a.

6.00%

$875,000

$2,690,000

n.a.

Wings ETC.

$200K - $500K

New

-2%

5% - 6%

$369,000

$2,881,000

$1,484,000

12.1%

Epic Wings

Over $500K

New

175%

2% - 5%

$628,000

$1,427,000

$2,116,000

n.a.

El Pollo Loco

Over $500K

325

New

5.00%

$794,000

$2,686,000

$2,063,000

n.a.

Chick-Fil-A

$200K - $500K

2629

New

12%

n.a.

$427,000

$2,340,000

$8,742,000

n.a.

Atomic Wings

$200K - $500K

New

33%

5.00%

$222,000

$861,000

n.a.

Training

Detroit Wing Company provides comprehensive training for its franchisees to ensure successful operations and high-quality customer service.

Initial Training: Detroit Wing Company provides a comprehensive initial training program for new franchisees, covering all aspects of the business operations. This training includes detailed instructions on food preparation, focusing on their unique “from scratch” sauces and high-quality ingredients, as well as operational procedures to ensure consistency across all locations.
Operational Support: The franchise offers guidance on securing real estate, managing construction, and setting up the franchise location. This support ensures that franchisees can choose the best possible sites and efficiently handle the build-out process.
Customer Service Training: A key component of the training program is customer service. Franchisees learn how to create a welcoming atmosphere and deliver an exceptional dining experience that aligns with Detroit Wing Company’s brand values.
Ongoing Training and Support: Detroit Wing Company also provides ongoing training and support to help franchisees continuously improve their operations. This includes updates on best practices, new product rollouts, and marketing strategies to keep the franchise competitive and engaging for customers.

Territory Protection

Detroit Wing Company franchise offers territory protection to its franchisees. This means that each franchisee is granted an exclusive area where no other Detroit Wing Company franchises can be established.

The territory is defined to protect the franchisee's investment and to ensure that they have a sufficient customer base to build a successful business without direct competition from other franchise locations.

The specific size and scope of the protected territory can vary based on the location and market potential. This strategic approach helps franchisees maximize their revenue and maintain a strong local presence.