After joining his father in the business as a teenager, Rodrigo Vela is preparing for the launch of Wings and Rings of Palmview, Texas, where he will be a general manager.

Through the family business, Vela learned key operational lessons and leadership skills, and as Wings and Rings has evolved over the years, he has become even more excited about staying involved with the brand. As a second-generation operator, Vela is following in his father’s footsteps, returning to his hometown to lead the newest Wings and Rings while paving a path for his own children to carry on the legacy when they grow up.

Vela took the time to chat with 1851 Franchise to discuss all of this and more. Here’s what he had to say:

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Rodrigo Vela: This all happened because of my dad. He’s the owner, and I’ll be the general manager. He started his career in construction, but he and his friend ended up investing in a restaurant that we would go to after church. He did that in partnership with another man, Maro, who became the first person to open Wings and Rings here in the Valley. It was in Edinburg, Texas. Later, he gave my dad all the information on becoming a franchisee with Wings and Rings, and my dad opened his first restaurant in Weslaco.

I was involved in that Wings and Rings during my time at college. I was 19, so I didn’t start as the manager. I did all the jobs and learned multiple aspects of the restaurant. The Palmview location is the first time I’m the general manager at the time the restaurant opens. Because of my 15 years with the brand, I felt very familiarized with what went on within the restaurant. It just made sense to go into the family business and help us expand even more.

1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?

Vela: My dad has always supported us, so I was excited to support him with the business. And doing that also allows me to support my wife and kids. 

Also, as I got more familiarized with the brand over time, I started to realize how it’s evolved. I love how Wings and Rings has grown over the past 15 years. It’s changed a lot. I’ve always liked Wings and Rings, but seeing the great changes and progress they’ve made makes me love Wings and Rings.

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

Vela: If everything goes well with the Palmview location, we have discussed potentially opening up a third. It’s a family business right now, and I’m excited for it to continue to grow as a family business. My daughter is nine, and she’s already talking about being a manager one day. She likes to come with us when we go to the restaurant and hang out at the hostess stand or help clean up napkin dispensers after closing.

I’ve let her know that she won’t just start as the manager — that she’ll have to work her way up just like I did. But it’s so cool to see that she already has that leadership mentality just from being exposed to the business as a kid.

1851: What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?

Vela: I was born and raised in Mission, which is right next to Palmview. It’s cool to be going back to my hometown to open this restaurant. I think it’ll be a good outcome. I’m proud to know that we’re still connected to a lot of people who still live there, and we’ll be the local Wings and Rings. I can imagine people saying, “We know the owners! They’re from here!” I’m really proud of that.

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

Vela: Anything is possible when you put your mind to it. There will be times where you get discouraged, and starting a business isn’t easy, but keep working hard for the dreams you have.

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 www.OwnWingsandRings.com.