1851

For many, COVID-19 has taken a toll on businesses — especially those in the restaurant industry. With locations closing and reopening at lower capacities, restaurant owners were really only left with two options: to pivot operations rapidly or close their doors for good. But those options weren’t cutting it for Matt Friedman, CEO and founder of the fast-casual wing franchise <a href="https://www.wingzone.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=qsr-magazine-wing-zone-recognized-among-the-top-11-restaurants-positioned-to-endure-the-covid-pandemic-2713615" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Wing Zone</a>. Friedman developed a model for the brand that was built to sustain a global pandemic. A recent roundup in<a href="https://www.qsrmagazine.com/content/11-restaurants-positioned-endure-covid-pandemic?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=qsr-magazine-wing-zone-recognized-among-the-top-11-restaurants-positioned-to-endure-the-covid-pandemic-2713615" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> QSR Magazine</a> dives deep into the factors that contributed to the top 11 restaurant brands’ growth amidst COVID-19 including digital sales, menu updates and store development among others.While many restaurants have leaned heavily on third-party delivery services like Postmates and UberEats to keep sales afloat, Friedman stuck by his original method of in-house delivery. Not only has he found that this method improved customer loyalty, but it also allowed <a href="https://1851franchise.com/wingzone/info">Wing Zone</a> to add hundreds of jobs to their roster. Pre-pandemic, this wouldn’t have&nbsp; been possible given that&nbsp; the demand for delivery drivers with third-party services was extremely high. In sticking with their in-house delivery model, Wing Zone has seen unprecedented growth.“I would say one of the most impactful things that has happened with us during COVID-19 is we control the experience,” says Friedman. “It appears to me that the consumer is trusting dealing with the brand directly rather than through a third-party.”To learn more about the other 10 brands’ strategies, you can read the full article&nbsp;<a href="https://www.qsrmagazine.com/content/11-restaurants-positioned-endure-covid-pandemic?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=qsr-magazine-wing-zone-recognized-among-the-top-11-restaurants-positioned-to-endure-the-covid-pandemic-2713615" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">here</a>.

QSR Magazine: Wing Zone Recognized Among the Top 11 Restaurants Positioned to Endure the COVID Pandemic 

1851 Franchise

CEO and founder of Wing Zone Matt Friedman is recognized for successfully navigating the global pandemic, a task that has been rather difficult for restaurateurs around the globe.

qsr-magazine-wing-zone-recognized-among-the-top-11-restaurants-positioned-to-endure-the-covid-pandemic

United Water Restoration Group

The Importance of Quick Response in the Water Restoration Business: How United Water Restoration Group Leads the Way

the-importance-of-quick-response-in-the-water-restoration-business-how-united-water-restoration-group-leads-the-way

Senior Care Authority

Senior Care Authority Celebrates Major Wins and Welcomes Four New Franchisees in Q1 2025

senior-care-authority-celebrates-major-wins-and-welcomes-four-new-franchisees-in-q1-2025

Children's Lighthouse

Why This Hotel Franchise Owners is Investing in Children’s Lighthouse 

why-this-hotel-franchise-owners-is-investing-in-childrens-lighthouse

Integrity Franchise Group

Which Franchise Ownership Model Is Right for You? Semi-absentee Ownership?

which-franchise-ownership-model-is-right-for-you

Melting Pot

Photo of 50th Anniversary Melting Pot fondue with golden chives

50 Years of Fondue and Family: Melting Pot Celebrates Its Legacy and Looks to the Future

melting-pot-franchise-50th-anniversary

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Franchise Face-Lifts: Why Major Restaurant Brands Are Betting Big on Remodels

franchise-face-lifts-why-major-restaurant-brands-are-betting-big-on-remodels

How New Tariffs Are Causing Price Hikes and Surcharges for U.S. Businesses and Franchises - 1851

Tariffs Prompt Price Hikes, Surcharges as Businesses (and Franchises) Brace for Rising Costs 

tariffs-prompt-price-hikes-surcharges

Pizza Hut - EYM Group - Chapter 11 Bankruptcy - 77 Pizza Hut Locations Sold - 1851 Franchise

77 Pizza Hut Locations Sold After Franchisee Bankruptcy Filing

pizza-hut-franchisee-bankruptcy-eym-group

Jersey Mike's - Blackstone - Global Growth - 1851 Franchise

Jersey Mike’s Ramps Up Global Growth Following Blackstone Acquisition

jersey-mikes-blackstone-growth

Layoffs Surge to Pandemic-Era Highs, Opening Doors for Franchise Growth

layoffs-surge-to-pandemic-era-highs-opening-doors-for-franchise-growth

Paris Baguette Ranks Among Top Franchises on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Paris Baguette Ranks Among Top Franchises on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2025

paris-baguette-ranks-among-top-franchises-on-entrepreneurs-franchise-500-for-2025

&pizza - Fast-Casual Pizza Chain Begins Franchising - 1851 Franchise

&pizza Embraces Franchising To Fuel Bold New Growth Strategy

andpizza-franchising-ceo-mike-burns

Lindora’s New President Discusses Franchise Growth and the Future of Health and Wellness

lindoras-new-president-discusses-franchise-growth-and-the-future-of-health-and-wellness

Franchisee spotlight image with Randy and Sandy Craft, Children's Lighthouse logo on blue background

The Crafts’ Successful Journey from New Parents to Children’s Lighthouse Franchisees

the-crafts-successful-journey-from-new-parents-to-childrens-lighthouse-franchisees

Military Veteran and Craft Beer Enthusiast to Bring Voodoo Brewing Co. to Toledo, Ohio

military-veteran-and-craft-beer-enthusiast-to-bring-voodoo-brewing-co-to-toledo-ohio

franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Venetya Evans and Sylvan Learning logo

IT Leader Celebrates One Year of Sylvan Learning in Simi Valley: A Passion for Education and Technology Drives Her Mission to Help Students Succeed

it-leader-celebrates-one-year-of-sylvan-learning-in-simi-valley

QSR Magazine: Wing Zone Recognized Among the Top 11 Restaurants Positioned to Endure the COVID Pandemic

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS