Wing It On!: Redefining the Buffalo-Style Wing Experience

Wing It On! is a dynamic fast-casual franchise known for its authentic Buffalo-style chicken wings and sandwiches. Originally founded in 2011 in Waterbury, Connecticut, the brand later relocated its headquarters to Raleigh, North Carolina to support its growth.

The company began franchising in 2020, aiming to expand its footprint nationwide. By August 2022, Wing It On! had established ten brick-and-mortar restaurants across several states, including Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and Texas.

What sets Wing It On! apart is its commitment to quality and flavor, serving fresh, never-frozen, all-natural chicken wings and hand-breaded chicken sandwiches. Customers also enjoy a wide selection of house-made sauces crafted from scratch.

Training

Wing It On! provides a detailed and structured training program for its franchisees to ensure smooth operations and brand consistency. Here’s a numbered summary of the training programs offered:

1. Mandatory Initial Training
   Before opening, the franchisee and their designated full-time manager must complete a mandatory seven-day training program at Wing It On!’s headquarters or another designated location. This covers operational skills, management techniques, and brand standards, and is included in the initial franchise fee (excluding travel and lodging).
2. Grand Opening Support
   Wing It On! includes up to two weeks of on-site grand opening support from a trainer or support staff as part of the franchise fee. This hands-on guidance helps the team apply their training in a live environment.
3. Additional On-Site and Optional Training
   Franchisees can request extra training sessions at their location or at the franchisor’s training facility, which may cover new topics, staff retraining, or operational support. All costs for these optional sessions, including trainer fees, travel, and accommodation, are the franchisee’s responsibility.

Territory Protection

Wing It On! does not grant franchisees an exclusive territory, meaning they may face competition from other franchisees, company-owned outlets, or alternative distribution channels.

While the franchisee operates within a defined area, this area does not guarantee exclusivity, and the franchisor retains the right to sell through various channels like the internet, direct mail, or special venues. Franchise agreements may include a “protected radius” or trade area, but this mainly applies to mobile units like food trucks and does not fully prevent overlap.

The franchisor also reserves the right to establish Special Accounts, which are large contracts that may cover areas beyond a single franchise territory, and franchisees may be given the first option to service these accounts.