Epic Wings: Redefining Freshness in the Buffalo Wing Industry

Epic Wings, originally launched as Wings N’ Things in 1982 by the Sacco Family in San Diego, California, played a key role in introducing buffalo wings to the West Coast. To build awareness for this new offering, they famously handed out free samples, helping customers discover and embrace the concept.

The brand quickly gained a reputation for its unwavering dedication to quality, featuring fresh, never-frozen chicken, scratch-made sauces and dressings, and daily hand-rolled breadsticks.

What truly distinguishes Epic Wings from its rivals is its commitment to freshness: their kitchens operate without freezers, microwaves, or heat lamps, ensuring that every meal is prepared fresh to order.

Training

Epic Wings offers a multi-phase training program to prepare franchisees for successful restaurant operations. Here's an overview of the training provided by the Franchisor:

1. Initial Training Program
   Epic Wings provides approximately four weeks of initial training starting about six weeks before site completion. This program must be attended and successfully completed by the franchisee and one designated supervisorial or managerial personnel. The training may include classroom sessions, on-the-job instruction, online modules, webinars, and videos, and is conducted in San Diego, California or another location designated by the Franchisor.
2. On-Site Opening Support
   Around the time of restaurant opening, Epic Wings sends a representative to the franchise location to provide up to one week of on-site training and operational support. This includes standardizing procedures and assisting in training staff. This service is provided at the Franchisor's expense unless additional assistance is requested.
3. Certification and Qualification
   Upon completing training and successfully running the business for six months, the franchisee and trained personnel are designated as Certified Managers. New supervisorial or managerial personnel must also undergo training and a qualification period to be certified.
4. Refresher Training
   Franchisees may be required to attend one additional or refresher training program per year, not exceeding five business days. These sessions are conducted at designated locations and cover updates or new practices relevant to the business.

Territory Protection

Epic Wings does provide a limited form of territory protection to its franchisees. Franchisees are granted a “Designated Area,” which may be defined in the agreement and described on a map as Exhibit B.

Within this area, Epic Wings agrees not to establish another franchised restaurant, provided the franchisee remains in good standing. However, the territory protection comes with several exceptions.

The franchisor reserves the right to operate or grant franchises in special venues like military bases, universities, airports, hospitals, and other facilities even if they fall within the designated area. Additionally, Epic Wings retains the right to market, sell, and distribute its products through other channels such as the internet or wholesale, both inside and outside the franchisee's area.