While the restaurant industry has been among the hardest hit by the pandemic, in-demand quick-service concepts have experienced a surge in revenue. That may be due to the fact that consumers have largely shifted their preferences from sit-down dining to takeout and delivery options.

So it’s no surprise Michigan-based Detroit Wing Co. enjoyed substantial sales growth in 2021, which included a system-wide increase of 72.05 percent, and a same store increase of 17.77 percent.

Through perfecting its quick-serve model that offers made-to-order chicken wings, tenders, and sides, Detroit Wing Co. has kept up with the growing demand for fast, high-quality food options.

“Being a made-to-order takeout restaurant from the start, we had a leg-up on the competition once the shift began in early 2020,” said Gus Malliaras, founder of Detroit Wing Co. “We saw this trend as an opportunity to grow our brand exponentially through partnering with franchisees to open new stores around the country, and the response has been incredible.”

The company has opened seven new stores in the last 18 months, with 24 additional locations slated to open this year. At a time when many restaurants are shuttering, Detroit Wing Co. has created a unique model for success and continued growth.

“Opening our business to franchisees took our brand to new heights,” added Malliaras. “We are now able to replicate what has made us among the best in the business and introduce Detroit Wing Co. to new customers every single day. It has been very exciting for both us and our franchisees.”

It seems consumers just can’t get enough of the brand’s wings in particular—based on polls, they are consistently rated among the best chicken wings in Michigan, having been dubbed “Best in the State” by Esquire Magazine, Delish.com, Thrillist, Eater, Insider, Men’s Health, and other national media outlets.

For Malliaras, it was a natural move to continue to find ways to improve and expand, which included a refresh of the brand’s identity through updates to the restaurants’ interior layouts and design. All upcoming Detroit Wing Co. franchises are required to build within the new blueprint, which includes updated digital signage, dedicated pick-up areas for delivery partner apps and online orders, and a more sleek, modern feel.

The first store with the new look opened in Woodhaven, Michigan, in December 2021.

“It’s truly exciting to be a part of something that has grown from a single location in 2015 to what is quickly becoming a household name in chicken wings,” said Malliaras. “The sky is the limit, and together with our franchisees, we plan to continue to enjoy uncapped, exceptional growth. As I tell all of our new franchisees—hold on tight!”

For more on franchising with Detroit Wing Co., visit detroitwingco.com.