Aymen Ghabrial, a seasoned franchisee with a decade of success operating a Wings and Rings location in Rancho Cucamonga, California, is making history as the first-ever franchisee for the new fast casual concept, Noble Chicken. With 24 years of experience in the food and restaurant industry, Ghabrial is excited to bring this innovative quick-service restaurant (QSR) brand to market and continue his entrepreneurial journey.

After years of working in banking and restaurant management, Ghabrial found his calling in franchising with Wings and Rings, a decision that has led to numerous accolades, including Franchise of the Year and multiple sales performance awards. Now, as he takes the leap into Noble Chicken, he believes the new concept will capture a growing demand for fast-casual dining while maintaining the same hospitality-focused approach that made his Wings and Rings location so successful.

"I chose Noble Chicken because of my success with Wings and Rings,” Ghabrial said. “The company has proven its commitment to quality, hospitality and guest experience. Noble Chicken is fast casual, not full service. The menu is simple, easy to execute and cost-effective, which makes operations more manageable. The startup costs are lower, and the staffing needs are smaller compared to casual dining. When I visited and tried the food at Noble Chicken, I was blown away — it was absolutely delicious. I even took some food to the airport with me because I enjoyed it so much! I know our guests are going to love it, too."

Ghabrial sees his investment in Noble Chicken as a strategic way to expand his business empire. With incentives, such as no royalty fees for up to 12 months, he believes Noble Chicken has the potential to become a major player in the fast-casual market. By leveraging his experience and deep connection with the local community, he aims to replicate his past success and establish Noble Chicken as a go-to destination for quality, convenient dining.

1851 Franchise spoke with Ghabrial about his franchising journey with Wings and Rings, his status as Noble Chicken’s first franchisee and his ambitious plans for growing his business. Here’s what he had to say:

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?

Aymen Ghabrial: I’ve been in the food and restaurant industry for the last 24 years. I started my career as an accountant, working for Wells Fargo Bank while also doing taxes. But I didn’t see myself staying in banking — I’m a people person. Even at the bank, I would leave my office to talk to customers in line, and I became the top account opener at my branch.

I got introduced to the restaurant industry and started as a manager, eventually working my way up to general manager and then district manager. I came across Wings and Rings while looking for an opportunity to go into business for myself. I met the team in Cincinnati, and I liked their business mentality. We bonded right away, and I knew this was where I saw my future.

I took over an existing Wings and Rings franchise in Rancho Cucamonga, and it’s been a successful 10 years. We made it through a recession and proved the brand’s resilience. Our sales went up, and we adapted to changing conditions. I also brought my hospitality experience to the restaurant, which aligned well with Wings and Rings’ vision. We became deeply involved with the community, sponsoring little leagues, high school sports and even the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, the Dodgers’ minor league team. We hosted CJ Stroud’s draft party with ESPN covering the event. The community has embraced us, and our restaurant has become a local hangout spot.

Additionally, I have been a member of the Franchise Advisory Council (FAC) with Wings and Rings for the last three years. I also won Franchise of the Year last year, adding to many other awards I have won over the years, including the Highest Check Average, the Highest Member of our Club 84, the Buffalove Award and many others.

1851: What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Ghabrial: Before franchising, I worked with several restaurant brands, including Sizzler USA and EXPERIENCE Restaurant Group, which owns multiple concepts like EL TORITO GRILL and ACAPULCO. I put in a lot of hours and effort, and I saw the direct impact my work had on those businesses' success. Eventually, I realized I wanted to build something for myself.

Wings and Rings was introduced to me through my broker. I didn’t know much about the brand at first, but after researching, I liked their fresh, never frozen food model and strong focus on hospitality. I saw the opportunity and jumped in.

1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?

Ghabrial: I want people to understand that franchisors aren’t just looking out for themselves — they succeed when their franchisees succeed. The system is designed to be beneficial for both sides, but as a franchisee, you need to follow the model. The franchisor has created a proven system, and it’s your job to implement it properly.

1851: As the first Noble Chicken franchisee, you’re essentially setting the stage for future franchisees. What excites you most about being at the forefront of this brand’s expansion?

Ghabrial: I chose Noble Chicken because of my success with Wings and Rings. The company has proven its commitment to quality, hospitality and guest experience. The menu is simple, easy to execute and cost-effective, which makes operations more manageable. The startup costs are lower, and the staffing needs are smaller compared to Wings and Rings. 

When I visited and tried the food at Noble Chicken, I was blown away — it was absolutely delicious - - same quote as above. I even took some food to the airport with me because I enjoyed it so much! I know our guests are going to love it too.

1851: Can you tell us what sets Noble Chicken apart from Wings and Rings?

Ghabrial: Noble Chicken is a fast-casual concept, whereas Wings and Rings is a full-service, casual dining restaurant. The market has shifted in recent years — especially after COVID-19 — toward fast-casual dining. Consumer behavior has changed, and full-service restaurants aren’t growing as fast as they used to. Wings and Rings’ move into fast casual is a smart, proactive decision to capture a larger share of the market.

Additionally, Noble Chicken has some exciting news for new franchisees, offering great incentives — including a potential refund of the initial franchise fee and up to 12 months with no royalty fees for the first three months and more. These incentives make it an attractive option for new investors.

1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?

Ghabrial: I’ve moved beyond the early stages of entrepreneurship, and now my focus is on building an empire and diversifying my portfolio. My company is called Sky Limit Investments because I’ve always believed the sky is the limit. 

Opening Noble Chicken allows me to grow without losing market share. If there’s a market where I can’t open a Wings and Rings, I can open a Noble Chicken instead and still capture business in that area. My plan is to keep growing and expanding strategically.

1851: Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?

Ghabrial: Wings and Rings and Noble Chicken are great franchisors to work with. They genuinely care about their franchisees’ success. They’re not just looking to collect franchise fees — they want you to thrive. I’m excited about what’s ahead and hope Noble Chicken will become another big name in the franchise industry.

1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?

Ghabrial: Do your homework. Make sure you understand what the franchisor expects from you and what you should expect from them. 

I’ve been on both sides — corporate and franchisee — so I know that a lot of issues come from a lack of communication. Franchisees need to align with the franchisor’s vision and follow the system that’s been proven to work. 

Believe in the brand you’re investing in. When I joined Wings and Rings, I truly believed in the brand, and I became an ambassador for it in my area. Now, I believe in Noble Chicken just as much. Success is our only option.

ABOUT WINGS AND RINGS

Established in 1984 in Cincinnati, Ohio, Wings and Rings is THE club-level sports restaurant and bar with Craveworthy Wings and Rings, My Place Service and a Club-Level Ambiance, all to encourage social connections. Whether it’s enjoying a bit of banter, catching up over the game, finding new craft beer favorites, or celebrating a big win, Wings and Rings is the place where everyone can kick back, enjoy life, and champion everyday moments. With 85 units across the globe, Wings and Rings is changing the sports restaurant category, making elevated food and beverage experiences accessible to all fans. For more information, please visit www.WingsandRings.com and https://www.OwnWingsandRings.com.

Wings and Rings

SPONSORED
Award-Winning Wings and Rings Owner Aymen Ghabrial Becomes First Franchisee for Noble Chicken

Award-Winning Wings and Rings Owner Aymen Ghabrial Becomes First Franchisee for Noble Chicken

Ghabrial is leading the launch of Noble Chicken, a new fast-casual concept from Wings and Rings that’s designed to meet the growing demand for quick-service dining and a lower initial investment.

Aymen Ghabrial, a seasoned franchisee with a decade of success operating a Wings and Rings location in Rancho Cucamonga, California, is making history as the first-ever franchisee for the new fast casual concept, Noble Chicken. With 24 years of experience in the food and restaurant industry, Ghabrial is excited to bring this innovative quick-service restaurant (QSR) brand to market and continue his entrepreneurial journey.

After years of working in banking and restaurant management, Ghabrial found his calling in franchising with Wings and Rings, a decision that has led to numerous accolades, including Franchise of the Year and multiple sales performance awards. Now, as he takes the leap into Noble Chicken, he believes the new concept will capture a growing demand for fast-casual dining while maintaining the same hospitality-focused approach that made his Wings and Rings location so successful.

"I chose Noble Chicken because of my success with Wings and Rings,” Ghabrial said. “The company has proven its commitment to quality, hospitality and guest experience. Noble Chicken is fast casual, not full service. The menu is simple, easy to execute and cost-effective, which makes operations more manageable. The startup costs are lower, and the staffing needs are smaller compared to casual dining. When I visited and tried the food at Noble Chicken, I was blown away — it was absolutely delicious. I even took some food to the airport with me because I enjoyed it so much! I know our guests are going to love it, too."

Ghabrial sees his investment in Noble Chicken as a strategic way to expand his business empire. With incentives, such as no royalty fees for up to 12 months, he believes Noble Chicken has the potential to become a major player in the fast-casual market. By leveraging his experience and deep connection with the local community, he aims to replicate his past success and establish Noble Chicken as a go-to destination for quality, convenient dining.

1851 Franchise spoke with Ghabrial about his franchising journey with Wings and Rings, his status as Noble Chicken’s first franchisee and his ambitious plans for growing his business. Here’s what he had to say:

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?

Aymen Ghabrial: I’ve been in the food and restaurant industry for the last 24 years. I started my career as an accountant, working for Wells Fargo Bank while also doing taxes. But I didn’t see myself staying in banking — I’m a people person. Even at the bank, I would leave my office to talk to customers in line, and I became the top account opener at my branch.

I got introduced to the restaurant industry and started as a manager, eventually working my way up to general manager and then district manager. I came across Wings and Rings while looking for an opportunity to go into business for myself. I met the team in Cincinnati, and I liked their business mentality. We bonded right away, and I knew this was where I saw my future.

I took over an existing Wings and Rings franchise in Rancho Cucamonga, and it’s been a successful 10 years. We made it through a recession and proved the brand’s resilience. Our sales went up, and we adapted to changing conditions. I also brought my hospitality experience to the restaurant, which aligned well with Wings and Rings’ vision. We became deeply involved with the community, sponsoring little leagues, high school sports and even the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, the Dodgers’ minor league team. We hosted CJ Stroud’s draft party with ESPN covering the event. The community has embraced us, and our restaurant has become a local hangout spot.

Additionally, I have been a member of the Franchise Advisory Council (FAC) with Wings and Rings for the last three years. I also won Franchise of the Year last year, adding to many other awards I have won over the years, including the Highest Check Average, the Highest Member of our Club 84, the Buffalove Award and many others.

1851: What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Ghabrial: Before franchising, I worked with several restaurant brands, including Sizzler USA and EXPERIENCE Restaurant Group, which owns multiple concepts like EL TORITO GRILL and ACAPULCO. I put in a lot of hours and effort, and I saw the direct impact my work had on those businesses' success. Eventually, I realized I wanted to build something for myself.

Wings and Rings was introduced to me through my broker. I didn’t know much about the brand at first, but after researching, I liked their fresh, never frozen food model and strong focus on hospitality. I saw the opportunity and jumped in.

1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?

Ghabrial: I want people to understand that franchisors aren’t just looking out for themselves — they succeed when their franchisees succeed. The system is designed to be beneficial for both sides, but as a franchisee, you need to follow the model. The franchisor has created a proven system, and it’s your job to implement it properly.

1851: As the first Noble Chicken franchisee, you’re essentially setting the stage for future franchisees. What excites you most about being at the forefront of this brand’s expansion?

Ghabrial: I chose Noble Chicken because of my success with Wings and Rings. The company has proven its commitment to quality, hospitality and guest experience. The menu is simple, easy to execute and cost-effective, which makes operations more manageable. The startup costs are lower, and the staffing needs are smaller compared to Wings and Rings. 

When I visited and tried the food at Noble Chicken, I was blown away — it was absolutely delicious - - same quote as above. I even took some food to the airport with me because I enjoyed it so much! I know our guests are going to love it too.

1851: Can you tell us what sets Noble Chicken apart from Wings and Rings?

Ghabrial: Noble Chicken is a fast-casual concept, whereas Wings and Rings is a full-service, casual dining restaurant. The market has shifted in recent years — especially after COVID-19 — toward fast-casual dining. Consumer behavior has changed, and full-service restaurants aren’t growing as fast as they used to. Wings and Rings’ move into fast casual is a smart, proactive decision to capture a larger share of the market.

Additionally, Noble Chicken has some exciting news for new franchisees, offering great incentives — including a potential refund of the initial franchise fee and up to 12 months with no royalty fees for the first three months and more. These incentives make it an attractive option for new investors.

1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?

Ghabrial: I’ve moved beyond the early stages of entrepreneurship, and now my focus is on building an empire and diversifying my portfolio. My company is called Sky Limit Investments because I’ve always believed the sky is the limit. 

Opening Noble Chicken allows me to grow without losing market share. If there’s a market where I can’t open a Wings and Rings, I can open a Noble Chicken instead and still capture business in that area. My plan is to keep growing and expanding strategically.

1851: Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?

Ghabrial: Wings and Rings and Noble Chicken are great franchisors to work with. They genuinely care about their franchisees’ success. They’re not just looking to collect franchise fees — they want you to thrive. I’m excited about what’s ahead and hope Noble Chicken will become another big name in the franchise industry.

1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?

Ghabrial: Do your homework. Make sure you understand what the franchisor expects from you and what you should expect from them. 

I’ve been on both sides — corporate and franchisee — so I know that a lot of issues come from a lack of communication. Franchisees need to align with the franchisor’s vision and follow the system that’s been proven to work. 

Believe in the brand you’re investing in. When I joined Wings and Rings, I truly believed in the brand, and I became an ambassador for it in my area. Now, I believe in Noble Chicken just as much. Success is our only option.

ABOUT WINGS AND RINGS

Established in 1984 in Cincinnati, Ohio, Wings and Rings is THE club-level sports restaurant and bar with Craveworthy Wings and Rings, My Place Service and a Club-Level Ambiance, all to encourage social connections. Whether it’s enjoying a bit of banter, catching up over the game, finding new craft beer favorites, or celebrating a big win, Wings and Rings is the place where everyone can kick back, enjoy life, and champion everyday moments. With 85 units across the globe, Wings and Rings is changing the sports restaurant category, making elevated food and beverage experiences accessible to all fans. For more information, please visit www.WingsandRings.com and https://www.OwnWingsandRings.com.

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