The economy may be sizzling down, but franchising for Planet Wings is on fire. The company launched a national expansion plan in October of 2007, and is on course to sell 260 franchises by 2010.

According to Hoover’s Inc., the output of U.S. food and drink places will grow at an annual compounded rate of 4.3 percent between 2007 and 2012. The profitability of individually owned companies, such as franchised locations, depends on several variables such as efficient store operations, constructive marketing initiatives, and fast, efficient service. Thus, Planet Wings has partnered with Medina Enterprises to support business operations as the franchise expands on a national platform. With more than 22 years experience in franchise management, Medina functions as the holding company for several different franchises, similar to how YUM! Brands or Focus Brands operate.

Franco Fidanza, founder and CEO of Planet Wings, has been in the restaurant industry for over twenty years. Since the quick-service food industry represents $4.7 billion in revenue, with chicken wings being the fastest growing segment, Fidanza made the executive decision to go national. “We wanted to manage, control and expand this unique concept with Medina’s organizational systems and structures to guarantee our future success,” Fidanza says. “Medina has the capacity and experience to introduce our brand to potential franchisees worldwide.”

“Planet Wings offers franchisees a distinctive business model and its customers a delectable, quality product. Medina is thrilled to be a part of this company’s national expansion, and I am confident that Planet Wings is well on its way to becoming one of this country’s great brands,” says Robert (Morg) Morgan, CEO of Medina Enterprises. “Medina has implemented an aggressive growth strategy for Planet Wings and has already seen international interest from Korea, China, Russia, Europe, South America, and the Middle East amongst others.”