Wings and Rings Closes Q1 With a New Opening, a New Remodel Program, All Time Record Sales at Numerous Locations and New Technology Implementation

Wings and Rings, the 85-unit sports restaurant and bar franchise, has started 2022 off strong, with a new restaurant opening in Kentucky, a new remodel program, the first of which was in Crestview Hills, KY, notable sales increases and new processes leveraging technology to streamline operational and back-of-house needs. In the spirit of continuous improvement, the brand continues to test new technologies, is working to open and remodel multiple locations and has extended its development incentive program, with no franchise fee and no royalties for the first six months of operation.

Multiple Wings and Rings owners are expanding with the brand, and others are looking to grow as multi-unit franchisees. The Q1 highlight of this expansion is a new opening in Campbellsville, Kentucky, existing franchisee Shaun Hill’s fourth unit. “He is a very active, capable and motivated franchisee who continues to grow throughout Kentucky,” said Thomas Flaherty, Wings and Rings’ Chief Development Officer. “The Campbellsville opening was a big deal for all of us, being both a new generation store, and part of a larger, new strip center development with a well-imaged Wings and Rings on one endcap. We’re excited to see where Shaun goes next.” 

As additional openings are in the works in Ohio, Georgia, Texas, Kentucky and Mexico, the brand looks forward to continued growth, targeting markets across the U.S. and Mexico with an emphasis on the Midwest, Texas and Florida.

In the midst of a labor shortage, Wings and Rings leadership has made a concerted effort to implement new strategies that would provide steady, long-term support to franchisees. Currently in testing at the Milford, Ohio store, a new QR code-supported system streamlines the ordering process. Guests can be seated at a table near the bar area, scan a QR code, and browse the menu, order, request a server and pay their tab. 

A new point-of-sale (POS) system has also been implemented and is being installed system-wide. Rather than using a traditional pen and pad, servers may use tablets. As they record guests’ orders, details are automatically sent back to the kitchen.

The brand is also in the process of testing new A.I. and robotic technology to streamline frying processes and assist from a staffing perspective.

Michelle Gates, Wings and Rings’ Franchise Qualification Specialist said, “We’re always mindful of the investment franchisees make in Wings and Rings, and our development incentive and other technological improvements will certainly assist franchisees on that front. You hear it every day: people face challenges with staffing, and these new programs are going to help. In Q1, we saw many stores with record sales, and we want to keep pushing to make things better in the spirit of continuous improvement.”

In 2020, the brand began testing a G4 Wings and Rings prototype model with revamped construction, design and procedures. With a smaller footprint and updated interior design, the G4 model is meant to reduce initial investment and ongoing costs while providing a fun, friendly environment for guests. There are numerous new G4 openings in process, and the brand has also launched a program to provide franchisees with prior-version stores the opportunity to remodel and share the new G4 look and operation.

Starting the year strong, Wings and Rings has already caught the attention of multiple publications. The brand was recognized in Cincy Magazine’s Best of the East 2022 as the best wings spot, named in Full Service Restaurant News’ FSR NextGen 25: The Trailblazers of Casual Dining and was included in the 1851 Franchise Top Bar and Grill Franchise Opportunities of 2022 lineup. CEO, Nader Masadeh, and CDO, Thomas Flaherty, were also recognized as Top Global Influencers in Franchising  in early 2022.

With continued momentum and expansion, the brand has also extended the development incentive program, intended to assist franchisees with their initial investment and ramp-up phase. Available to both new and existing franchisees for a limited time, the program waives the franchise fee entirely and requires no royalty payments for the first six months of operation. “Restaurants are incredibly busy when they first open, so we want franchisees to have that money in their pockets and invest in their own growth,” said Flaherty.

As Flaherty looks forward, he is “most excited about signing new franchisees, opening additional stores and getting the remodel program going with multiple stores.” There is a continued emphasis on fundamentals, however. “People don't get into this as a non-profit; franchisees want a business that they are passionate about and where they can make a return on their investment, so we are focused on fundamentals and supporting them along the way,” he explained.

ABOUT WINGS AND RINGS

Established in 1984 in Cincinnati, Ohio, Wings and Rings is the club-level sports restaurant and bar with chef-inspired recipes, crave-worthy wings and rings, VIP service and an experience that encourages social connection. 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, visit www.wingsandrings.com.