Wing It On!, a rapidly-growing chain of fast-casual chicken wing restaurants is announced its next major growth milestone. Originally known for giving New England wing-eaters an authentic “Buffalo-quality” experience, the brand is now on the path to becoming a nationally recognized fast-casual chain.
After expanding methodically throughout the state of CT during its initial foray into franchising, the popularity and consumer demand for Wing It On! has continued to pick up steam and a multitude of franchise agreements were signed in new markets during late 2016. The wing concept, dubbed by its fans as WIO (We-Oh), recently opened its first of several new franchise locations in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Stores in Shawnee, Kansas, San Antonio, Texas, and Newark, New Jersey are scheduled to open in 2017.
The restaurant group operating the newest location in SC is headed by Nick Smith, a fast-casual franchise veteran who currently operates 8 Jersey Mike’s locations. Additionally, Smith had been a multi-store operator for Moe’s Southwest Grill before selling his units to focus on new ventures, such as WIO. The group, also consisting of Eric Delissio & Mark Farra, have signed on to open 5 stores throughout the Carolinas initially, with eventual plans to become area developers for the entire Southeastern U.S.
Outside of upcoming franchisee-driven expansion, the brand has also begun planning a corporate-owned store in Jersey City, New Jersey, and is in continual discussions with additional franchise partners for further sites to be announced at a later date. This multi-unit development marks the first significant expansion into markets beyond the original 6 CT-based stores.
“Some of the regions we are expanding into are already known for top-notch comfort food. We are looking forward to becoming a part of the culinary fabric of the country and capitalizing on consumer demand for a better quality fast-casual chicken wing” says Wing It On! founder and CEO, Matt Ensero, “This marks an exciting new chapter for a brand that started from humble beginnings. When I opened the first store, we just wanted to sell really good wings to the customers in my hometown of Waterbury, CT. Once we opened the doors, the product spoke for itself and the freight train of demand for WIO has been picking up steam ever since. We are excited to be matching the right partners with our brand who are ready to execute our vision and bring Wing It On into the national limelight.
In addition to fresh, high-quality chicken wings tossed in award-winning sauces, the Wing It On! menu offers something for the entire family, including a variety of custom-built burgers, wraps, salads and unique sides. WIO fans are not only accustomed to great service, convenient hours, and local delivery, but recent enhancements have added online ordering, as well as loyalty programs through the Wing It On! Mobile app.
