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2025 Franchise 500 Rank
N/R Ranked #383 last year
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Initial investment
$368K - $2.6M
Units as of 2024
80 Increase 3.9% over 3 years

Wings Etc. is a sports and family-themed grill and pub franchise offering a diverse food selection, including its signature jumbo wings, burgers, wraps, chicken sandwiches, salads, cold beer, and more. Founded by Jim Weaver in 1994, the restaurant strives to be known for a good, old-fashioned vibe that makes people feel at home while hanging out with friends and family. 

On top of its award-winning menu and laid-back ambiance, Wings Etc. is highlighted by flat-screen TVs all over the place that broadcast the latest in sports programming. The restaurant's regular food and drink specials also seem to be a magnet for families wanting to enjoy a wholesome lunch or night out. 

Since beginning to franchise in 2005, Wings Etc. has opened over 50 U.S. franchises to go along with more than 25 corporate-owned locations.

Why You May Want to Start a Wings Etc. Franchise

Wings Etc. is interested in franchisees who share their passions, which include exceptional food, sports and entertainment, and providing an excellent total experience for their customers. Those who can commit themselves to these core values may be desirable franchisee candidates, provided they meet specific preset requirements.

Wings Etc. also may offer a more focused program for first-time franchisees, those taking the leap from employment to business ownership, and even experienced franchisees who want to expand their portfolio. 

Wings Etc. has been ranked in Entrepreneur's Franchise 500. This ranking is based on an evaluation of more than 150 data points in the areas of costs and fees, size and growth, franchisee support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability.

What Might Make a Wings Etc. Franchise a Good Choice?

To be part of the Wings Etc. team, you should make sure you're financially ready for an initial investment made up of a franchise fee and other startup costs. In addition, you should prepare yourself for ongoing fees that will include advertising, royalty, and potential renewal fees. Franchisees will also need to meet the company's set net worth and liquid capital requirements. 

The typical term of agreement for a Wings Etc. franchise lasts for ten years. At the conclusion of those ten years, you may be offered the opportunity to renew your franchise if you meet the Wings Etc. requirements.

How To Open a Wings Etc. Franchise

Before deciding to open a Wings Etc. franchise, it is important to do some research that will help you make more calculated decisions later on. For example, check if the location you're eying is feasibly available based on its demographics. With the size of this franchise family, you may be sure to get all the help you'll need, especially if you have a list of questions and concerns ready for each time you meet.

Franchise support comes in various shapes and sizes, from financial consultation to training and certification and everything deemed necessary to get you started and thriving. Support begins at the corporate headquarters, which is located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and the Wings Etc. team will stay beside you from pre-opening to grand opening and throughout your operations.

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Company Overview

About Wings Etc.

Industry Food
Related Categories Sports Bars/Pubs, Chicken
Founded 1994
Parent Company Wings Etc. Inc.
Leadership Rob Hensmann, CEO
Corporate Address 7337 W. Jefferson Blvd, #200
Ft. Wayne, IN 46804
Social Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube

Business Overview

Franchising Since 2005 (20 years)
# of employees at HQ 37
Where seeking

This company is offering new franchises in the following US states: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, West Virginia

# of Units 80 (as of 2024)

Information for Franchisees

Here's what you need to know if you're interested in opening a Wings Etc. franchise.

Financial Requirements & Ongoing Fees

Here's what you can expect to spend to start the business and what ongoing fees the franchisor charges throughout the life of the business.

Initial Franchise Fee Information Circle
$39,500
Initial Investment Information Circle
$368,150 - $2,567,100
Net Worth Requirement Information Circle
$350,000 - $700,000
Cash Requirement Information Circle
$350,000 - $400,000
Veteran Incentives Information Circle
20% off franchise fee
Royalty Fee Information Circle
5%
Ad Royalty Fee Information Circle
1%
Term of Agreement Information Circle
10 years
Is franchise term renewable? Yes
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Financing Options

Some franchisors offer in-house financing, while others have relationships with third-party financing sources to which they refer qualified franchisees.

Third Party Financing Wings Etc. has relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover the following: startup costs, equipment, accounts receivable, payroll

Training & Support Offered

Franchisors offer initial training programs and a variety of ongoing support options to help franchisees run their businesses.

On-The-Job Training 293 hours
Classroom Training 23 hours
Ongoing Support
Purchasing Co-ops
Newsletter
Meetings & Conventions
Toll-Free Line
Grand Opening
Online Support
Security & Safety Procedures
Lease Negotiation
Field Operations
Site Selection
Proprietary Software
Franchisee Intranet Platform
Marketing Support
Co-op Advertising
Ad Templates
National Media
Regional Advertising
Social Media
SEO
Website Development
Email Marketing
Loyalty Program/App

Operations

Additional details about running this franchise.

Is absentee ownership allowed? Yes
Can this franchise be run from home/mobile unit? Information Circle
No
Can this franchise be run part time? Information Circle
No
# of employees required to run 35
Are exclusive territories available? Information Circle
Yes
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Franchise 500 Ranking History

Compare where Wings Etc. landed on this year's Franchise 500 Ranking versus previous years.

Additional Rankings

Curious to know where Wings Etc. ranked on other franchise lists? Find out below.

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Disclaimer
The information on this page is not intended as an endorsement or recommendation of any particular franchise or business opportunity by Entrepreneur Media. Our listings and rankings are solely research tools you can use to compare opportunities. Entrepreneur stresses that you should always conduct your own independent investigation before investing in a franchise or business opportunity. That should include reviewing the company's legal documents, consulting with an attorney and an accountant, and talking to former and current franchisees/licensees/dealers.
Updated: December 12th, 2022