Why Celebrities and Influencers Love Atomic Wings

After spending several years perfecting the process, recipe and art behind the perfect chicken wings, founder Adam Lippin opened the first Atomic Wings location in New York City in 1989. In 2016, Zak Omar, a successful multi-unit Dunkin’ franchisee, was inspired to expand his business portfolio by joining the brand. Omar had watched his father build a thriving food truck business from scratch in New York City and saw the same opportunity in Atomic Wings. Omar initially considered opening his own Atomic Wings franchise location, but Lippin, after meeting Omar and learning his story, offered to sell him the entire business. As the CEO, Omar is taking Atomic Wings to the next level and bringing the brand’s beloved offering to new communities across the country through franchising.

“The flavors can’t be beat, and we’ve got something for everybody,” said Omar. Most wing shops will offer some range of heat levels and maybe two or three flavors. Atomic Wings offers 16, and we’re constantly innovating and creating new flavors. Omar added, “Each flavor was developed after months of research and development. Whatever kind of wing you like, we’ve got that flavor, and it’s awesome.”

That’s no empty boast. Atomic Wings has been met with fervent demand at every one of its locations currently open for business, and was listed as one of the fastest growing small restaurants by Future 50. Even throughout the coronavirus crisis, when restaurants across the country were forced to close, Atomic Wings continued to grow, signing contracts for additional locations and celebrating grand openings. 

Omar attributes that success not only to its unmatched consumer offering but also to an impressive array of famous fans. Over the past few years, Atomic Wings has caught the attention of several influencers and celebrities and garnered recognition on national television. The brand was featured on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, where Priyanka Chopra showed Jimmy how they do it in Queens, New York, by challenging Jimmy to see who can eat the most nuclear sauce-covered Atomic Wings in 20 seconds. Atomic Wings has also been featured on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, CNN Money, CBS News, Cheddar and more.

Beyond television and traditional media, the Atomic Wings brand is also tapping into its popularity on social media among influencers with millions of followers. For example, Angela Yee, host of New York City’s popular radio show The Breakfast Club on Power 105.1 FM, announced her partnership with Atomic Wings in September. Yee has her own hot sauce — the hot honey flavor — at Atomic Wings locations all over the city. 

Television personality and influencer LaLa Anthony — who has a whopping 11 million followers on Instagram — also announced the rollout of her own jalapeño-and-pineapple-flavored sauce at Atomic Wings.

These big-name endorsements are a prime example of the kind of dedicated fanbase that the Atomic Wings brand has developed in New York City. Now, the brand is ready to capitalize on this national recognition in order to expand beyond the Big Apple. With dozens of locations currently open across the East Coast, Atomic Wings is looking for qualified franchisees to help take its fan favorite recipes to cities across the country.

“When my father ran a fried chicken place in the heart of Manhattan, my older brother and I used to mix flavors with all the different sauces he had in the kitchen to create our own unique flavors,” said Omar. “I like the idea that we’re spreading a taste to customers that is uniquely New York-style, and it's really all thanks to him that we can provide that kind of experience. As the brand receives more national attention and endorsements from people with big followings, we are excited to continue growing and introducing Atomic Wings to new customers across the country.”

Startup costs to open one Atomic Wings range from $170,400 to $377,355. The initial investment to begin operation of a multi-unit development business for a required minimum of three Atomic Wings franchises is between $197,400 and $404,855. For more information about Atomic Wings, please visit https://www.atomicwings.com/franchising.